UPDATE: Carlos Hyde, Other Buckeyes Suspended
By Kyle Kensing
November 24, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Raymon Taylor (6) drags Ohio State Buckeyes running back Carlos Hyde (34) out of bounds at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
UPDATED 12:58 p.m. PDT: Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer issued a statement declaring Carlos Hyde indefinitely suspended, though not dismissed from the team. Freshman tight end Marcus Baugh is suspended for the opener against Buffalo, following an arrest for minor in possession of alcohol and possession of a fake ID. Defensive lineman Tim Gardner is dismissed from the team after an arrest for obstruction of official business.
The only undefeated team in Div. I football during the 2012 season has reportedly taken a huge hit to its 2013 lineup.
On Monday morning, Tim May of The Columbus Dispatch reported Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Urban Meyer dismissed running back Carlos Hyde. The Buckeyes’ No. 1 back is reportedly “a person of interest” in an assault case.
Defensive back Bradley Roby was also arrested early Sunday morning, May reports. BucksInsider.com reports Roby is suspended “pending further investigation.”
Meyer has been the target of recent scrutiny for what critics deem lax discipline during his time with the Florida Gators. Thirty-one UF players were arrested between Meyer’s arrival in 2005, and departure in 2010. The arrest of tight end Aaron Hernandez on charges including first-degree murder renewed the discussion.
Hyde’s reported dismissal leaves a considerable void in the Buckeye offense. He rushed for 970 yards in 2012, complementing dual-threat quarterback Braxton Miller. Hyde had a more active role as a ball carrier than most running backs in Meyer’s system, none of whom have reached 1000 yards on a season.
Smaller back Jordan Hall and big power rusher Rod Smith were the Buckeyes next most productive ball carriers, with 218 and 215 yards.
Roby was arrested in Bloomington, Ind., on battery charges, stemming from an altercation in a bar. The cornerback was an All-America honoree last season, and considered one of the most dangerous coverage men entering the 2013 season.
Hyde and Roby should be hot topics at this week’s Big Ten Media Days in Chicago. Stay tuned for developments on their status.