Ohio Women’s basketball head coach Kevin McGuff was arrested near her home on May 6th, facing charges for operating a vehicle while impaired.
In Ohio, an OVI charge is similar to what other states refer to as DUI or DWI. So, essentially, McGuff has been arrested for drinking and driving.
This allegation has clearly been weighing on the 55-year-old coach, who has led the Buckeyes since 2013. However, the body camera footage from the incident truly paints a troubling picture for the Ohio State coach.
The video, released by the Dublin Police Department, raises concerns about McGuff’s state at the time.
Initially seen sitting in his car, dressed in Nike sweatpants and a windbreaker, McGuff seems preoccupied with the car door for the first minute and a half. Finally, a police officer opens the door, and McGuff fumbles to find his ID, asserting he’s not driving or consuming alcohol. He also states he just returned home but doesn’t specify from where, repeatedly denying any alcohol consumption.
When questioned by the officers, McGuff gives brief, often contradictory responses. His answers come after noticeable pauses. He eventually admits to coming from dinner but continues to deny drinking.
As the police attempt to conduct sobriety tests outside, McGuff struggles to perform simple tasks. He fails to recite the alphabet from D to R correctly, and when asked to touch his thumb to his fingertips or count down from 63 to 48, he can’t manage those either.
The officer jokes, “Do you want to trip you a little?” to which McGuff responds affirmatively.
After some outdoor sobriety tests, he struggles to lift one leg while keeping others still. Observing the scene, an officer comments, “I think you have your (possible cause).”
Subsequently, the police handcuff McGuff, informing him of his arrest for driving under the influence. Reports indicate that he later refused to take a Breathalyzer test.
McGuff didn’t make an appearance in court on Tuesday, but his attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. During that hearing, the judge temporarily reinstated McGuff’s driving privileges. The prosecution did not contest this, as it was his first OVI charge.
“Please understand that Kevin McGuff is innocent and, like anyone else charged with a crime, deserves to be assessed based on the actual facts,” Piatt stated.
Ohio has released a statement indicating that it is examining the situation.
No one was harmed by McGuff’s reckless choices, which, admittedly, doesn’t absolve him of responsibility. While legal matters will be sorted in court, public perception is another arena that will need attention. Footage and police reports highlight the behavior of one of the university’s highest-paid employees in a seemingly childish manner. According to reports, McGuff earned just over $1 million in the 2023-24 season, making him the 15th highest-paid coach in Division I women’s basketball. Surely he could have called for an Uber.
Now, Ohio faces the decision of how to handle this embarrassing incident and whether it affects McGuff’s future with the team. His contract contains provisions that may allow for termination in cases of violations of university rules or Ohio law.
It’s interesting to note that the previous athletic director had shielded McGuff during earlier issues that led to NCAA violations, including a one-year postseason ban, which is now a thing of the past. The new athletic director, Ross Bjork, has taken over those responsibilities.
Bjork is more recognized for his work in college football, but he hired significant coaching talent for women’s basketball, and his approach includes making bold moves, like changing coaching staff in other programs. He has already secured some notable players through the transfer portal.
He has the potential to elevate internal candidates, such as Katie Smith, who joined McGuff’s staff this season. Smith is an accomplished player, a two-time All-American with extensive coaching experience, including in the WNBA. Her credentials are impressive, having won multiple championships and Olympic medals.
McGuff has a successful coaching record of 531-212, a win rate of about .715, and has led Ohio State to several major achievements since taking the helm. However, as this incident unfolds, the uncertainty surrounding his future in Columbus remains.
