Columbus Aviators head coach Ted Ginn Jr. did not coach his team’s UFL game against the Dallas Renegades on Sunday after he was arrested and subsequently released from jail on Saturday in Texas on a charge of driving while intoxicated.
The Renegades improved to 3-0 with a 28-23 victory over the Aviators (0-3) in Frisco, Texas. Offensive coordinator Todd Haley, who served as the Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach from 2009-11, stepped up in Ginn’s stead.
Ginn, a former second-team All-American at Ohio State who was hired as head coach for the Aviators’ inaugural season in December, was booked into Tarrant County’s jail at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time and released on bond at 8 p.m.
Ginn turned 41 on Sunday.
“I want to address the situation that took place over the weekend. I made a serious mistake and take full responsibility for my actions. I’ve always believed in accountability and now it’s my turn to live that standard,” Ginn said in a post on his X account.
“I understand the responsibility that comes with being a leader & role model, and falling short of this is not something I take lightly. I’m committed to learning from this, making better decisions, and earning back the trust of my players, our organization, and the fans.
“I appreciate the support of my family and the United Football League, and I respect the process as it moves forward. My focus now is on taking the necessary steps to grow from this and represent the Columbus Aviators and this community the right way.”
“We are aware of an incident involving Head Coach Ted Ginn Jr. over the weekend and are in the process of gathering more information,” UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon said.
The Aviators lost their first two games in franchise history under Ginn, who was a 14-year NFL veteran receiver, amassing 412 receptions for 5,742 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns for the Miami Dolphins (2007-09), San Francisco 49ers (2010-12), Carolina Panthers (2013, 2015-16), Arizona Cardinals (2014), New Orleans Saints (2017-19) and Chicago Bears (2020). He also had seven return scores (four punts, three kickoffs) and rushed for two touchdowns.
–Field Level Media
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