Key Facts at a Glance
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Chris Lemonis | Public record |
| Type of incident | Head-on collision on I-59 | News reports, court records |
| Location | Mississippi/Alabama state line | Law enforcement report |
| Date | November 28, 2018 | Court and news archives |
| Age at time | 28 years old | Arrest/jail records |
| Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) | 0.229% | Toxicology report |
| Occupation | Head football coach, Mississippi State | Official university statement |
| Employment outcome | Placed on administrative leave; resigned December 2018 | Mississippi State announcement |
What Happened and When
On November 28, 2018, Chris Lemonis was involved in a head-on collision on Interstate 59 near the Mississippi/Alabama state line. The crash occurred while he was driving under the influence, with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.229%. He was traveling an estimated 86 mph in a 50 mph zone. Two occupants of the other vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Lemonis was transported to a hospital for minor injuries and later arrested. This incident directly led to his resignation as head football coach at Mississippi State, which was announced in December 2018.
Verified Incident Timeline
Below is a concise chronological breakdown of confirmed events surrounding the accident. These points are drawn from legal filings, law enforcement reports, and official university communications that remain accessible in public records.
- November 28, 2018 (evening): Head-on collision on I-59 near the Mississippi/Alabama state line.
- Date of incident: Toxicology later confirmed a BAC of 0.229%, more than four times the legal limit in Alabama.
- At the scene: Emergency medical services treated Lemonis for minor injuries; the other vehicle’s occupants received non-life-threatening care.
- Aftermath: Arrested on charges including driving under the influence; held in a county jail before posting bond.
- December 2018: Mississippi State placed Lemonis on administrative leave; he resigned as head football coach.
- Legal proceedings: He entered a guilty plea in 2019 and received a sentence that included fines, probation, and a suspended jail term.
Context: Who Is Chris Lemonis?
Chris Lemonis is an American college football coach and former player. Before the accident, he had served as an assistant coach at several programs, including Mississippi State. At the time of the collision, he was the head coach of the Bulldogs football team, a role he assumed in December 2017. His tenure was marked by on-field progress but ended abruptly following the November 2018 incident. The event remains a prominent case in discussions about athlete conduct and impairment in collegiate sports.
Immediate Consequences
The accident had both legal and professional ramifications. Law enforcement charged Lemonis with DUI and excessive speed, and he faced the maximum penalties allowable under Alabama law for a first offense with a high BAC. In parallel, Mississippi State activated its administrative leave policy, pausing his coaching duties. Within weeks, the university announced his resignation, effective immediately. This outcome underscored the institutional response to safety and compliance violations in collegiate athletics.
Legal and Professional Aftermath
Following the accident, Lemonis entered the criminal justice system and completed the required proceedings. His legal resolution included a guilty plea, financial penalties, and probation terms, which are standard elements in DUI cases with aggravating factors. Professionally, he later sought to rebuild his career in coaching, returning to the field with a lower-profile role. The case continues to be referenced in analyses of conduct policies and enforcement in college sports.
FAQ
Reader questions
When did Chris Lemonis's accident happen?
The accident occurred on November 28, 2018. It was caused by a head-on collision on Interstate 59 while Lemonis was impaired by alcohol.
What were the outcomes of the incident?
Lemonis sustained minor injuries, other vehicle occupants were injured with non-life-threatening conditions, and he was arrested. He resigned as head coach of Mississippi State in December 2018 and completed legal sentencing in 2019.
Are details of this case publicly available?
Yes. Accident reports, toxicology results, court filings, and university statements related to the incident are part of the public record and have been documented by multiple reputable news and legal sources.