Ohio State Buckeyes offensive coordinator Brian Hartline, who crashed his ATV early Sunday then told medics he’d been drinking, had been slated to take part in a fundraising event next week.
The event, originally billed as “Coaches and Cocktails,” will go on. However, The Columbus Dispatch reports the name has been changed to “Coaches Q&A”in the aftermath of Hartline’s alcohol-fueled accident.
That incident, which occurred on Hartline’s property near his home in Liberty Township, Ohio, sent Hartline and another passenger to the hospital. They suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
The police report did not mention Hartline by name, although he was mentioned on the 911 call. The incident report included a potential charge of driving while under the influence of drugs/alcohol, although no charges have been filed as of Wednesday.
The Dispatch reported it’s unknown if Hartline will attend the April 24 fundraiser, although he had clearly been looking forward to the event.
🥃 and 🏈!! Can’t beat it. Get your tickets now! pic.twitter.com/QmCROquSiR
— Brian Hartline (@brianhartline) April 11, 2023
The Buckeye Cruise for Cancer fundraiser is expected to feature appearances by Ohio State head coach Ryan Day and graduate assistant and former Buckeye All-American James Laurinaitis.
Hartline, a former Ohio State and NFL player, joined the Buckeyes staff in 2017 and became the offensive coordinator in January.
It’s unclear whether Ohio State, the Big Ten or the NCAA will punish Hartline for the incident.
