Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II, the 2023 Doak Walker Award winner, made headlines for all the wrong reasons on June 30 when he was arrested for DUI. Oklahoma Highway Patrol confirmed the arrest to ESPN on July 2.
Gordon, just 20 years old, was pulled over in Oklahoma City for swerving into another lane and speeding 17 mph over the limit. Shockingly, he admitted to having open bottles of vodka and tequila in his car, which were found half empty. His blood alcohol levels came in at 0.11 and 0.10, both above Oklahoma’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Despite the arrest, Gordon’s week wasn’t entirely bleak. He was still honored as a Walter Camp Preseason All-American, a nod to his incredible performance last season. However, this accolade was overshadowed by the DUI incident, which OSU Athletics did not publicize.
Gordon now faces multiple charges, including DUI under 21, transport of an open container, failure to maintain lane, and speeding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
DUI under 21 refers to the offense of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs by a person who is under the legal drinking age of 21. In many states, including Oklahoma, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is much stricter for underage drivers.
In Oklahoma, the consequences of a DUI under 21 can include fines, community service, mandatory attendance in an alcohol education program, and potential jail time. It may also result in the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license.
Transporting an open container means having an unsealed bottle or can of alcohol in the passenger area of a vehicle. This is illegal in most states, including Oklahoma, as it poses a risk of promoting drinking and driving.
In Oklahoma, the legal BAC limit for drivers aged 21 and over is 0.08%. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol can lead to DUI charges, emphasizing the state’s zero-tolerance policy for underage drinking and driving.
A DUI arrest can have significant repercussions on Gordon’s athletic career, both in college and professionally. It may affect his reputation, draft prospects, and potential endorsements. Time will tell how he and his management handle the situation, and whether he can rehabilitate his public image.
