Ex-NFL Star Ted Ginn Jr. Charged with DWI; Sidelined from UFL Matchup
The former first-round pick and Ohio State standout was absent from his UFL team's weekend roster following an overnight arrest in Texas.
Primary source: ESPN Top Headlines. Full source links and update notes are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- Ted Ginn Jr. was arrested in Texas and charged with driving while intoxicated.
- The arrest resulted in Ginn missing a scheduled game in the United Football League (UFL).
- Ginn is a 14-year NFL veteran who previously starred at Ohio State and for multiple NFL franchises.
What happened
Ted Ginn Jr. was taken into custody by Texas law enforcement and formally charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI). The legal incident occurred in close proximity to a scheduled game for the United Football League, the spring football entity formed by the merger of the XFL and USFL.
What's new in this update
This update confirms that Ginn's absence from the active roster during the most recent UFL game was directly related to the legal proceedings following his arrest. It marks the first major off-field legal issue involving a high-profile veteran for the league this season.
Key details
The 39-year-old Ginn, known for his elite speed during his professional career, was booked into a Texas facility. While specific details of the traffic stop have not been fully released, the charge was verified as a DWI. His status with his UFL franchise remains uncertain pending a league review.
Background and context
Ginn was a legendary figure at Ohio State before being selected 9th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He enjoyed a long career as a wide receiver and return specialist for teams including the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints, appearing in two Super Bowls before moving into spring football.
What to watch next
The UFL is expected to issue a statement regarding Ginn's eligibility and potential disciplinary action. Legal proceedings in Texas will also move forward to determine the outcome of the DWI charge, which could impact his future in professional sports.
Why it matters
This incident sidelines one of the most recognizable veteran names in spring football and brings legal scrutiny to the UFL's player conduct standards.
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