Purdue University sophomore forward Mason Gillis was arrested early Sunday morning for operating a vehicle while intoxicated, according to the West Lafayette Police Department. Gillis was booked into the Tippecanoe County jail at 3 a.m. and released later that evening.
The arrest occurred after officers observed a vehicle driving erratically and nearly hitting a curb. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers noted signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and difficulty performing sobriety tests. Gillis was subsequently taken into custody and later tested for blood alcohol content.
Purdue head coach Matt Painter addressed the incident, stating that the matter would be handled internally according to university regulations and team standards. No further comments were provided at this time.
Gillis, who started 23 games for the Boilermakers during his freshman season, is expected to face disciplinary actions as the program addresses the situation. The team is currently in the offseason, with the next season scheduled to begin in the fall.
This incident adds to a series of alcohol-related offenses involving Purdue athletes in recent years, highlighting ongoing concerns about student-athlete conduct and the importance of upholding university standards.