Ohio State officially confirmed Barrett’s misdemeanor offense for OVI, via an emailed statement from a spokesman. The quarterback’s been suspended by head coach Urban Meyer for the Minnesota game next Saturday. Athletic Director Gene Smith tells Eleven Warriors because it is a misdemeanor, Barrett is not subject to the mandatory two-week suspension. Smith said the ongoing suspension is up to the discretion of Meyer.
The full statement:
Ohio State University student-athlete J.T. Barrett was cited by Columbus police Saturday morning at a campus area check point with a misdemeanor offense of OVI. Barrett has been suspended by head coach Urban Meyer from playing in Ohio State’s game against Minnesota on Nov. 7.
According to two sources within the Columbus Police Department, Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while impaired (OVI) early Saturday morning near campus.
Barrett, 20, was arrested near High and Tompkins, just north of Campus after police noticed the player attempt to avoid an OVI checkpoint in the area. Per CPD sources, Barrett was cooperative and blew into a breathalyzer, registering slightly over Ohio’s legal limit of 0.08 blood-alcohol concentration.
The quarterback was released to his teammate, fellow quarterback Cardale Jones, who provided Barrett a ride home.
Jones had been the starter this season for the No. 1-ranked Buckeyes through the first seven games of the season before Barrett started his first game last Saturday against Rutgers.
Barrett has thrown for 472 yards and seven touchdowns this season while also running for 329 yards and seven additional scores. Last season as the full-time starter, Barrett broke the Big Ten record with 45 total touchdowns and finished fifth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy.
The Buckeyes are on a bye this weekend before hosting Minnesota 8 p.m. on Nov. 7.
Ohio State did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
