UNLV assistant football coach faces charges in Colorado

Ty Gregorak, UNLV's linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator, turned himself in to police in Boulder, Colo., on Wednesday after police allege that Gregorak stole a .45-caliber gun and wallet from a car belonging to a strip-club bouncer on May 1.

Boulder police wrote an arrest warrant for first-degree criminal trespass and prohibited use of weapons.

Formal charges could be filed Thursday, the Boulder Daily Camera reported.

A message left to Gregorak's cell phone was not returned, but his attorney said via e-mail that his client has responded appropriately to the investigation.

"Ty Gregorak has led an exemplary and successful life as a wonderful role model and mentor to countless students and fans alike," Denver attorney David Beller said. "He is ashamed that an innocent night out has led to allegations which bring him, his family, and the University embarrassment.

''He is looking forward to continuing to cooperate fully with the investigation, putting the matter behind him, and continuing his distinguished career."

Gregorak, 31, spent the past seven seasons at Montana before following new Rebels coach Bobby Hauck to UNLV.

UNLV athletic director Jim Livengood said in a statement the school is aware of the situation.

"The University and athletics department have been conducting an internal and thorough investigation regarding the pending allegations," Livengood said. "It would be premature and inappropriate to comment any further until this matter has been reviewed and resolved."

Gregorak, who played linebacker at Colorado, allegedly took the items from the bouncer's car early Saturday after the bouncer, Joseph Benedetto, refused to allow him into the club. Gregorak returned the items to Benedetto later in the morning.

"Hey I'm sorry, I was really drunk last night. I think I was drugged," Gregorak told Benedetto, according to the police report. "I'd like to give you your stuff back. Here it is.

"I was really drunk, I'm from out of town, I'm just here visiting friends, I'm a professional, I don't do this kind of stuff."

The police report gives no indication that officials are investigating the possibility that Gregorak had been drugged.

Benedetto followed Gregorak's rental car and called police with the license-plate number.

Gregorak told police he didn't realize he had taken the items until he woke up the next morning and saw them in his hotel room. He also said he didn't remember talking to the bouncer, who told police he didn't let Gregorak into the club because he was drunk.

"Neither Mr. Gregorak nor Mr. Benedetto have knowledge of how Mr. Benedetto's belongings ended up in Mr. Gregorak's hotel room," Beller said. "No one claims to have witnessed Mr. Gregorak entering Mr. Benedetto's car or taking a gun and wallet. According to Mr. Benedetto, Mr. Gregorak was contacted walking in the alley next to the club, not trying to enter it."

The police report also said Gregorak had a Montana driver's license that had been revoked for driving impaired on March 19.

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.