Coban Porter Returns to College Basketball After DUI Incident
DENVER, CO — October 6, 2023 — Coban Porter, a former University of Denver basketball player, has joined the MSU Denver Roadrunners, six months after being released from prison for a DUI crash that resulted in the death of Kathy Limon Rothman.
Authorities confirmed that Porter, 25, was involved in a fatal accident on January 22, 2023, when he ran a red light at South University and Buchtel boulevards, colliding with Rothman's vehicle while driving at 50 mph with a blood-alcohol level of .19. He was sentenced to six years for vehicular homicide and vehicular assault, and was released early due to good behavior.
Porter met with MSU Denver basketball coach Dan Ficke and athletic director Todd Thurman in mid-March to discuss joining the team. As part of his reinstatement process, he wrote a letter to Rothman's family, acknowledging the harm caused by his actions.
Tim Carroll, MSU Denver's public relations director, noted the university's commitment to providing opportunities for justice-impacted individuals while recognizing the tragedy of the incident.
In a statement, Rothman's mother, Connie Johnson, expressed her concern over Porter's return to basketball, emphasizing her family's enduring grief following their loss. “Two years in prison will never equal the lifetime we are forced to live without my daughter,” she said.
Porter has committed to maintaining sobriety and plans to engage in public speaking to promote awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. He holds two years of eligibility at MSU Denver while continuing parole.