One of Ohio State's best defensive linemen is in some trouble.
Senior defensive tackle Adolphus Washington was cited on a misdemeanor charge of solicitation late Wednesday, Ohio State confirmed to Eleven Warriors Thursday afternoon. Washington is due in Franklin County Municipal Court Dec. 17 on a first degree misdemeanor charge.
The news was first reported by ABC6/FOX28 in Columbus, who says discipline for Washington "will be handled internally," according to Ohio State.
Washington, a second-team All-Big Ten selection by both the coaches and media, is seventh on the team with 49 tackles. He also has seven tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and a forced fumble on the season, blossoming in the middle of the defense for Urban Meyer's seventh-ranked Buckeyes following the departure of Michael Bennett. He is widely considered to be an early round NFL Draft selection this spring.
Washington is a two-year starter and recently accepted and invitation to the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama.
The defensive tackle's status for the Fiesta Bowl New Year's Day against No. 8 Notre Dame is unknown.
"Do not know at this point," Ohio State Vice President and Director of Athletics Gene Smith told Eleven Warriors regarding Washington's eligibility. "Coach (Meyer) is on (the) road and will deal with when he gets home."
Later Thursday, Washington issued an apology via an Ohio State athletics spokesman for his "lack of judgement" Wednesday night:
“I want to sincerely apologize to my family, to coach Meyer and the coaching staff, to my teammates and my friends for my lack of judgement last night and for my actions that I truly regret. I have wanted to be a high-character teammate, a contributor to the success of this program and, most importantly, someone my family can be proud of. I am extremely disappointed in myself, and I can honestly say I will learn from my mistake and I will accept the consequences that deservedly will come my way. And I hope that people will know that I am truly sorry and that I sincerely do apologize.”
