July 22, 2013, may as well be known as "Black Monday" for the Ohio State football program. Four Buckeyes, including starting running back Carlos Hyde were disciplined for run-ins with the law.
Hyde is suspended indefinitely and will not take part in any team activities pending the outcome of a student code of conduct and criminal investigation. Earlier reports incorrectly stated Hyde had been dismissed from the team.
Hyde, a senior, is named as a person of interest in an on-going assault investigation. According to a police report obtained by Eleven Warriors, the victim of the alleged assault was struck at Sugar Bar located on Front Street in downtown Columbus in the early morning hours on Saturday.
“I have a clear set of core values in place that members of this football program are constantly reminded of and are expected to honor,” said head coach Urban Meyer. “There are also expectations with regard to behavior. I expect our players to conduct themselves responsibly and appropriately and they will be held accountable for their actions.”
Junior cornerback Bradley Roby, scheduled to appear at Big Ten media days in Chicago later this week, will not attend the conference’s showcase event. Instead, senior safety Christian Bryant will appear in his place.
According to a report from the Columbus Dispatch, Roby was arrested in Bloomington, Ind., and faces preliminary charges of battery resulting in bodily injury. Sources told the Dispatch that he was "asked to leave the bar after a disturbance, refused, and was subdued by bouncers at the bar before being taken into custody."
Roby's status on the team will be determined as more information is gathered from the incident.
Two freshmen – tight end Marcus Baugh and offensive lineman Tim Gardner – also received punishment from Meyer.
Baugh was arrested for underage possession of alcohol and possession of a fake ID last weekend. He lost his summer scholarship, is suspended from all team activities and will miss the season opener versus Buffalo.
Gardner, charged by Columbus police with obstruction of official business on Saturday, has been sent home to Indianapolis and will not be part of the 2013 Ohio State football team.
“Swift, effective and fair discipline is the standard for our entire athletics program,” said athletic director Gene Smith. “I applaud Coach Meyer for his immediate actions.”
