Shortly after J.T. Barrett was arrested for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, Ohio State announced that the quarterback would be suspended for the Buckeyes' next game, Nov. 7, against Minnesota.
This was a first offense for Barrett, and since it was an alcohol violation, the school's alcohol/substance abuse policy dictates that Barrett must enter a management program. Beyond that, no suspension is mandated by program policy.
This is an important distinction: Urban Meyer was not obligated to suspend J.T. Barrett, but did so, anyway.
Given the reaction by some fans – particularly fans of other programs – and some in the media, condemning Meyer for being too lenient, it's worth looking at what other schools have done in similar situations.
Most recently, Oklahoma State wide receiver Jhajuan Seales was arrested for DUI on Oct. 19. He was suspended for one game and reinstated by Mike Gundy.
Arkansas tight end C.J. O'Grady was picked up for a DUI on Aug. 28. His coach, Bret Bielema, welcomed him back to the team after a one-game suspension.
New Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi saw two of his players busted for driving while intoxicated. Star wide receiver Tyler Boyd and defensive end Rori Blair were each suspended for the Panthers' season opener before returning to the team.
Sensing a pattern here?
Two years ago, after Alabama defensive back Geno Smith was reinstated by Nick Saban following a one-game suspension for driving under the influence, AL.com's Kevin Scarbinsky noted that one game is the norm across major college football for this kind of offense.
Stanford linebacker Shayne Skov was cited for DUI in January of 2012. Coach David Shaw suspended Skov from all team activities until June and then suspended him for the 2012 season opener.
Michigan running back Fitz Toussaint pleaded guilty to a DUI in the summer of 2012. He was suspended for the first game of the season against Alabama, then reinstated for the second game against Air Force.
Oregon defensive lineman Isaac Remington was arrested in October of 2012 for suspicion of DUI. He was suspended for one game, then reinstated when the local prosecutor decided to drop the charge.
Yep, that's definitely a pattern.
As Scarbinsky points out, it's tricky to compare discipline from one incident to another, but there certainly does appear to be a quasi-standard, one-game suspension for driving while under the influence, particularly, if it's a player's first offense.
Barrett will serve his time – in addition to whatever the court hands down to him – and hopefully learn from this incident. Urban Meyer isn't handling this any differently than other major college coaches have in recent years.
