SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Ohio State's defense is already depleted for its Fiesta Bowl matchup against Notre Dame after the suspension of Adolphus Washington and injury to Tommy Schutt. Now, the other side of the ball has taken a hit.
Star running back Ezekiel Elliott was cited for driving with a suspended license Sunday before the team left for Arizona, according to a report by NBC Sports' Craig Calcaterra.
Source tells me that OSU RB Ezekiel Elliott was cited in a car crash in Columbus yesterday before leaving with the team for Arizona.
— Craig Calcaterra (@craigcalcaterra) December 28, 2015
While no official report yet exists, Columbus' WTTE was able to confirm the charges levied against Elliott on Sunday:
The Buckeyes star was cited driving under suspension, operating without a license, and failure to control.
He told police the accident was the result of him hydoplaning out of control.
Nobody else was with him at the time of the crash. Elliott is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 26 at 9 a.m., court records show.
Elliott traveled with the team to Phoenix Sunday. An Ohio State spokesman said Elliott's Fiesta Bowl status remains unchanged.
The junior from St. Louis had a banner 2015 campaign for the Buckeyes, leading the Big Ten in rushing with 1,672 yards and 19 touchdowns. He took home both Big Ten Running Back and Offensive Player of the Year honors, in addition to the Chicago Tribune Silver Football.
The Buckeyes and Irish are set for a 1 p.m. kickoff New Year's Day from University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
