Defensive lineman Tracy Sprinkle has been dismissed from the football program, an Ohio State spokesman, through head coach Urban Meyer, announced Monday. Sprinkle was arrested during Fourth of July weekend and faces a litany of charges, including cocaine possession.
"Tracy Sprinkle is no longer a part of the Ohio State football team," sports information director Jerry Emig said in a text. "His status will be re-evaluated after all legal issues are resolved."
Sprinkle appeared in Lorain Municipal Court Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of drug possession, drug paraphernalia and rioting/failure to disperse. He was released on $2,000 bond. A pre-trial is scheduled for July 31.
Sprinkle was arrested Friday after a brawl at the Grown & Sexy Lounge in Lorain. Police officers responded to a “large fight” that included an estimated 50 people.
The official police report described “absolute mayhem” inside the bar, complete with chairs being thrown. The scene was so chaotic a police dog had to be used to restore order. The entire night shift of the Lorain Police Dept. responded to the scene, as well as Ohio State Highway Patrol officers.
Sprinkle, 19, and Wayne Blue, 23, were arrested.
Sprinkle was arrested and placed in the back of a police car, according to the report. When he was removed and placed in another car to be transported, two small bags of cocaine – 0.2 grams each – were found stuffed under the back seat.
Blue claimed he was struck in the face with a bottle by Sprinkle, according to the report. When police questioned Sprinkle, he denied any involvement and “remained quiet.”
