Minnesota’s Saul Smith Will Keep Job; Return Soon

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota assistant coach Saul Smith will keep his job and return to the team next month after a drunken-driving arrest that put him on unpaid leave for the last five days.

Athletic director Norwood Teague said Smith returned to the payroll on Friday but will remain on administrative leave until Nov. 13. That means he'll miss two exhibition games and two regular season games for the Gophers. Smith's salary is about $94,000.

Teague said he didn't consider firing Smith. He said he felt the punishment was appropriate.

The 32-year-old Smith has agreed to participate in alcohol counseling and education and to apologize to the team and share with the players what he's learned. He is the son of head coach Tubby Smith.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved)