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Glenville football players face theft charges.
Glenville High School in Ohio could be without up to 11 football players for its next game against Bishop Watterson, and beyond. Coaches turned team members over to authorities following an alleged theft.
They are now being charged, casting doubt on their futures with the program.
Ohio football players charged with theft.
The Glenville football team, which plays in Cleveland, was in the Columbus area for a game against Olentangy Liberty last Friday. A call from a local Dick’s Sporting Goods was made the day before kickoff.
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A 911 call was placed by store personnel, saying 15-20 juveniles, identified as Glenville football players, were taking merchandise in the store and left security tags, clothing tags, and empty boxes thrown around.
According to the report, the call was placed at 7:25 PM (on August 27) and said the kids “ransacked” the store and left with the items described as mouth guards, arm bands, clothing, and football cleats.
Police made contact with head coach Tedd Ginn Sr., who turned in two bags of merchandise later that evening. The school’s AD reportedly organized a players-only meeting in the moments that followed.
Ginn Sr. helped ID the players for authorities. There is video of the alleged theft. It’s believed that the value of the items taken exceeded $4,500.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association declined to comment when reached, saying they wouldn’t be making any public statements on the matter until Glenville and CMSD handle any internal discipline.
What’s next?
The Glenville football team has approximately 80 players on the roster. Around 15% of the team is now in hot water.
The alleged theft occurred August 27th. The Tarblooders played their scheduled game vs. Olentangy Liberty on August 28th.
Nine of the 11 players have not been publicly named due to age. I do not know if all suited up for the previously mentioned contest, but according to game footage, at least two of the suspects competed.
Now that charges have been filed, it’s created doubt as to whether they will play moving forward.
Punishment will be handled internally, according to the OHSAA. There have been no reports of suspensions or forfeitures. A Glenville spokesperson released the following statement last week.
“At this time, we are unable to provide further comment, as the matter remains under active investigation by law enforcement and involves minors. We will respect the investigative process and refrain from commenting further until the appropriate time.”
This story will be updated as new information emerges.