Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett was reportedly arrested on suspicion of operating a motor vehicle while impaired Saturday morning, per Eleven Warriors.
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He was stopped while trying to avoid a DUI checkpoint near the university campus. Barrett blew into a breathalyzer and registered a 0.099 blood-alcohol concentration, which is over the legal limit of 0.08 and well above the limit for underage drivers of 0.02, according to the Columbus Post-Dispatch.
Ohio State Athletic Director Gene Smith released a statement via ElevenWarriors.com.
Jones failed to play with the magic he possessed during Ohio State’s postseason run last winter, while Barrett finally emerged as the player who looked like a Heisman finalist a season ago.
Just when everyone thought the quarterback situation for the Ohio State Buckeyes was figured out, a new wrench is thrown into the controversy. Head coach Urban Meyer determined his punishment. Jones started the team’s first seven games, all wins, but Barrett’s playing time and production increased of late, leading to him getting the start in last weekend’s win over Penn State.
Although he wasn’t available for comment Saturday after Barrett’s suspension, the message to his players likely won’t change.
Barrett, who started his first game of the season last Saturday against Rutgers, will be eligible to play again in Ohio State’s game against Illinois November 14 and its big game against Michigan November 21. But he seemed annoyed by the perception that the top-ranked Buckeyes’ passing game is not as threatening with him under center compared with the stronger-armed Cardale Jones. Many are calling this suspension too light, especially considering Ohio State’s student-athlete drug and alcohol policy.
Now we will have to see if Cardale Jones can find the consistency he has been lacking because it appears that he will have to step back in and lead the Buckeye offense.
Got a question about Ohio State football? Meyer said it could be a couple of more weeks before Schutt returns.
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I don’t know if it complicates matters more, but J.T. Barrett is a sophomore and now only 20-years-old. With the threat of picking up yards running the football always available, the Ohio State Buckeyes gained over 500 yards.
