Ohio State defensive tackle Adolphus Washington was suspended from the Fiesta Bowl Wednesday following solicitation charges, according to ESPN's Austin Ward. A school spokesman has confirmed the suspension. Washington's collegiate career comes to end a day after being charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, according to Ward.
"I want to sincerely apologize to my family, to coach Meyer and the coaching staff, to my teammates and my friends for my lack of judgment last night and for my actions that I truly regret," Washington said in a statement, via ESPN. "I have wanted to be a high-character teammate, a contributor to the success of this program and, most importantly, someone my family can be proud of. I am extremely disappointed in myself, and I can honestly say I will learn from my mistake and will accept the consequences that deservedly will come my way. And I hope that people will know that I am truly sorry and that I sincerely do apologize."
Washington was a key player for the Buckeyes' defensive front and had recorded seven tackles for a loss and four sacks in his senior year. The Fiesta Bowl on New Year's Day looks to be one of the most exciting Bowl games this holiday season, and the matchup between Notre Dame's offensive line and Ohio State's defensive line looks to be a battle of future professional prospects.
Washington will clearly be missed on Ohio State's defensive line, and players like star defensive end Joey Bosa will need to step up in his absence. Washington is expected to be a first round pick in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft, and he may slide down some draft boards following this incident. Washington will have to prove over the next couple months he can stay out of trouble, as there will be plenty of NFL franchises interested in the Buckeyes defensive lineman.
