Columbus Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated on Saturday, April 12th, leading to his absence from the team's UFL game against the Dallas Renegades on Sunday, April 13th. Ginn, who turned 41 on Sunday, was booked into Tarrant County's jail around 3:30 p.m. local time and released on bond at 8 p.m. the same day. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley assumed head coaching duties in Ginn's absence. The Aviators lost the game to the Renegades, marking their third consecutive loss to start the season.
Ginn, hired as the Aviators' coach in December for their inaugural season, issued a statement acknowledging his actions. "I made a serious mistake and take full responsibility for my actions," Ginn stated, as reported by multiple outlets. He also expressed a belief in accountability. The UFL confirmed Ginn's return to coaching duties this week, with league officials relaying the information to ESPN on Tuesday, April 15th.
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Context of the Arrest
The incident occurred in Tarrant County, Texas, just hours before the scheduled game against the Dallas Renegades. Ginn, a former second-team All-American at Ohio State and a 14-year NFL veteran, had no prior head coaching experience before taking the helm of the Aviators. The Columbus Aviators currently stand at 0-3 in the UFL standings.
