By Mark Scott
Buffalo, NY – St. Bonaventure University says its head baseball coach is facing a federal charge that he tried to carry a handgun through security checkpoints at Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Thursday.
Larry Sudbrook was traveling with the team to North Carolina for a baseball tournament when a legally owned handgun was found in one of his bags and he was detained at the airport. The school says he forgot the weapon was in the bag.
"This is a terrible embarrassment but, mostly, I regret the distractions my mistake has caused for the team," Sudbrook said in a written statement released by the university late Friday. "The security and law enforcement officials who dealt with this issue were respectful and understanding, and I express appreciation to them."
Sudburg was arraigned in federal court Thursday on charges he violated airport security rules. After the arraignment, he was permitted by court officials to go about his duties as he awaits further court proceedings next month.
Parents of the baseball players were informed of the situation just hours after it happened by Athletic Director Steve Watson.
Watson later accompanied Sudbrook to Charlotte to join the team for the series. A two-time Atlantic 10 coach of the year, Sudbrook has been the Bonnies' baseball coach for 21 years.
"Larry Sudbrook has worked for this university for more than two decades and is highly regarded by students, parents and administrators alike," said Sr. Margaret Carney, University president. "With that said, when he returns to campus, we will review this matter very closely with him."