Summer is a precarious time for a college football team, as Ohio State freshman defensive back Marcus Hooker found out this week.
As first reported by The New Castle News, Neshannock Township police in Pennsylvania have charged Hooker with driving under the influence, disregarding traffic lanes, careless driving, no rear lights and purchase of alcoholic beverage by a minor.
According to Lawrence County (Pa.) court records, Hooker was arrested on June 16 and is scheduled to appear in court on July 5 at 9:30 a.m. for a preliminary arraignment.
Per court records, Hooker was found to be driving under the influence of a "high rate of alcohol," defined by Pennsylvania law as a blood alcohol content between .10 and .16. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's website, a DUI conviction with a high BAC is an ungraded misdemeanor for a first offense, but penalties include a 12-month license suspension, 48 hours to six months in prison, a $500 to $5,000 fine, alcohol highway safety school and treatment when ordered.
Hooker, a three-star signee and younger brother of Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker, signed with the Buckeyes in December and arrived on campus earlier this month. While he was expected to compete for playing time at safety, where the Buckeyes have a vacant starting spot next to Jordan Fuller, he is also a candidate to redshirt in 2018.
An Ohio State spokesperson told Eleven Warriors on Wednesday evening that the university did not have a comment at this time.
