Judge Facing Pressure Following Arrest Of Coach K's Grandson

A North Carolina judge is facing pressure to seek real justice following the arrest of Coach K's grandson.

Coach K's grandson, Joseph Savarino, was arrested for DWI over the weekend. The son of Coach K's daughter allegedly struck and killed a 15-year-old teenager, who was on his bicycle in Durham, North Carolina. Savarino reportedly told police that he had been drinking earlier in the evening. He blew a .11 on a breathalyzer, above the .08 legal limit, at 12:45 AM, according to local reports.

Savarino, the grandson of the Hall of Fame coach, was reportedly driving a Ford Explorer when a 15-year-old on a bicycle was riding next to him. The car ended up colliding with the bicycle, killing the teenager.

In the wake of the arrest, Savarino has had his license revoked. He has also been placed on $100,000 bond. However, his mother, who serves as an assistant athletic director at Duke, has already paid it.

It's no secret that Coach K is a legendary figure at Duke. He led the Blue Devils basketball program from 1980 to 2022, winning five national championships and 15 ACC Tournament titles.

Coach K might be the most popular person in the entire state.

But, in the wake of his grandson's arrest, community members are urging the judge presiding in the case to act fairly.

Judge faces pressure to act fairly

Community members are hoping that Coach K's grandson's privilege won't play a role in how the case goes.

"He better get what he deserves. My prayers and condolences to the victims family," one community member shared.

"Don't let the rich and famous get away with everything," one shared.

"Hopefully justice will be served. Let the case play out, but make sure it goes fairly for everyone," one added.

The family of the 15-year-old killed in the accident already released a statement.

"We will never understand why his time here was so short or why he was needed so soon, but we have to hold onto our faith that he is now our angel. We are better people because of him, and we will carry him with us always," his mother shared in a Facebook post.

"The depth of this grief is beyond anything we could have ever imagined. This is a club no parent ever wants to be part of."

An investigation into the accident is underway. Savarino is due back in court next month.

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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 12:47 PM.