This isn’t the post-career news anyone wants to hear about former Ohio State star Ted Ginn Jr.
Ginn, an electric wide receiver and return specialist for the Buckeyes from 2004 to 2006, was arrested on Saturday on DUI charges in Texas.
Ginn is currently the head coach of the UFL’s Columbus Aviators.
From ESPN: “Ginn was booked on Saturday, according to Tarrant County Sheriff’s Department records, and was later released after posting $1,000 bond. The Euless Police Department told WSYX-TV in Columbus that Ginn was stopped at 12:58 a.m. Saturday and was given a field sobriety test.”
Ginn, 41 years old, issued a statement to his official X account following his arrest.
“I want to address the situation that took place over the weekend,” Ginn wrote on Sunday. “I made a serious mistake and take full responsibility for my actions. I’ve always believed in accountability, and now it’s my turn to live that standard. I understand the responsibility that comes with being a leader & role model, and falling short of this is not something I take lightly. I’m committed to learning from this, making better decisions, and earning back the trust of my players, our organization, and the fans. I appreciate the support of my family and the United Football League, and I respect the process as it moves forward. My focus now is on taking the necessary steps to grow from this and represent the Columbus Aviators and this community the right way.”
How Ted Ginn Jr. Became Ohio Football Legend
Ginn is 1 of the most well-known players not just in Ohio State football history but in the history of the state of Ohio.
Playing for his father at Glenville High School in Cleveland, Ginn became 1 of the nation’s top recruits in both football and track and field, where he was a dominant sprinter, to the point that Ohio State’s track and field coaches believed he could eventually run for Team USA in the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Football was his true calling, however, and the 5-star recruit stayed in his home state to play for the Buckeyes.
In 3 seasons at Ohio State from 2006 to 2008, Ginn was a 3-time All-American and finished his career with 135 receptions for 1,943 yards and 15 touchdowns to go with 1,912 return yards on kickoffs and punts.
In total, Ginn racked up 4,068 all-purpose yards and 26 touchdowns in 37 career games.
First Round Pick to Journeyman NFL Career
Ginn’s speed was always what set him apart, and he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds before the 2009 NFL draft despite a lingering foot injury suffered in the BCS National Championship Game.
The Miami Dolphins selected Ginn in the 1st round (No. 9 overall), but he only played 3 up-and-down seasons there before he was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 5th round pick in April 2010.
That kicked off the journeyman stage of Ginn’s career, which saw him make stops with the Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, and twice with the Carolina Panthers before he retired following the 2020 season.
Ginn, who made approximately $51.6 million in career earnings in 12 NFL seasons, is in his 1st coaching job with the Aviators, where he started the season with an 0-2 record.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Former Ohio State Superstar Issues Statement After Shocking Arrest appeared first on Heavy Sports.