CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. -- A nationwide search will soon be underway to replace Austin Peay University's head baseball coach after he was arrested during a prostitution sting last week.
Police said Gary McClure responded to an online ad and made contact with an undercover Clarksville Police officer. McClure was arrested Friday after arriving at a location given by the officer.
"We’re doing the best we can to stop this from happening," said Officer Natalie Hall who confirmed Coach McClure's arrest. "We've found in Clarksville that other things were happening, not just prostitution but other things related to that where we had robberies, assaults," she added about the reason behind the sting.
McClure was booked into Montgomery County Jail on one charge of patronizing prostitution and released on a $250 bond.
McClure resigned following his arrest Friday.
APSU President Alisa White released the following statement:
“This is a sad situation for all involved. It conflicts with the core values of our university and does not represent the values of our outstanding faculty and staff; therefore, we have accepted Mr. McClure’s resignation. We are moving forward with Derrick Dunbar as interim head coach. Mr. Dunbar is well respected among the Austin Peay community and is known for his outstanding leadership, discipline and drive that will help him lead the program with excellence during this transition.”
According to the arrest warrant, McClure responded to an ad on Backpage.com.
McClure was promoted to head coach of the baseball team in 1988, and has led the Governors to six NCAA regional appearances.