Ohio St. star running back Carlos Hyde avoids lengthy criminal investigation
Ohio St. University football fans are breathing a sigh of relief, as the university announced all criminal charges against star running back Carlos Hyde have been dropped. Hyde, who led the team in scoring last season, was originally arrested after allegedly assaulting a female patron at a Columbus, Ohio night club on July 20th, 2013. The announcement was appreciated by Buckeye fans across the country, but should not be considered the end of the process concerning Hyde.
Carlos Hyde led the Buckeyes in scoring last year, while also finishing second in rushing yards. Great things are expected from the running back this upcoming season, as he flashed the talent so many expected him to display, finishing with 970 yards rushing, while accounting for 17 touchdowns. Ohio St. Head Coach Urban Meyer announced Hyde will be suspended a minimum of three games. Coach Meyer made it clear the three game suspension is the minimum punishment Hyde will face, but prior to him being allowed back on the team, he will also be required to complete team and university obligations. Ohio St. has recently faced media scrutiny as several other current players have allegedly been involved with off the field incidents. The university recently suspended three other football players from the team for misconduct, and Coach Meyer made it clear misconduct by his players will not be tolerated.
Questions remain about the alleged victim and incident Hyde allegedly assaulted. A quick Internet search returns countless articles and opinions about the incident, and video surveillance of the incident is posted around the web. The charges against Hyde were dropped when his alleged victim declined to pursue criminal charges against him. Buckeye fans, as well as college football fans across the country often wonder how athletes find themselves in situations similar to the one Carlos Hyde was in. While it is never a good thing when a college athlete is associated with negative off the field conduct, fans must also remember they are college students, prone to the same lapses in judgment as other college students. Because of the expectations placed on athletes, everyone hopes the incident will be Hyde's last, and the player, university, and fans of both can move past the negative atmosphere caused by the incident.
Ohio St. is picked to be one of the top teams in the country, this upcoming season. Buckeye fans anxiously await the first kick off, and they hope to see Carlos Hyde back in the lineup as soon as possible. In order for the team to meet or exceed expectations, and compete for the coveted National Championship, the Buckeyes will need a huge year from Carlos Hyde. By receiving a second chance Hyde can now concentrate on what he does best, scoring touchdowns for the beloved Buckeyes, and giving fans of the university something to cheer each Saturday.