Ted Ginn Jr. Arrested On DWI Charge As Aviators Adjust Coaching Duties

The Columbus Aviators will move forward under interim leadership after head coach Ted Ginn Jr. was arrested on a driving while intoxicated charge in Texas on Saturday. The incident occurred just one day before the team’s scheduled game, creating an unexpected disruption for the organization.

Ginn was taken into custody by the Euless Police Department in Tarrant County following a traffic stop shortly after midnight. Authorities reported that officers initiated a DWI investigation before placing him under arrest, and he was later released on bond.

The situation comes at a difficult time for the Aviators, who are still searching for their first win of the season. The timing of the arrest adds uncertainty as the team prepares for a key matchup on the road.

League officials acknowledged the incident and confirmed that coaching responsibilities would be reassigned temporarily. The organization is now focusing on maintaining stability ahead of Sunday’s game.

1. Arrest Details And Legal Process

According to police reports, Ginn was stopped at approximately 12:58 a.m. in Euless, Texas, after officers observed traffic violations. The stop led to a field investigation related to suspected impaired driving. Following the investigation, Ginn was arrested and booked into the Tarrant County jail under his legal name. He was later released after posting a $1,000 bond, according to county records. Law enforcement officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the stop. The case remains under review as part of standard legal procedures. While the incident is being handled by local authorities, it has already drawn attention due to Ginn’s role as a head coach in a professional football league.

2. Team And League Response

The United Football League acknowledged the situation in a public statement and confirmed it is gathering additional information. League officials emphasized that the matter is being addressed internally. In response to Ginn’s absence, offensive coordinator Todd Haley has been назначed to handle head coaching duties for the upcoming game. This ensures continuity for the team despite the sudden disruption. League leadership stressed the importance of maintaining focus on competition while the situation develops. No further disciplinary decisions have been announced at this time. The Aviators are expected to proceed with standard game preparations under the adjusted coaching structure.

3. Ginn’s Background And Team Impact

Ginn, who turns 41 this week, was appointed head coach of Columbus in December 2025 despite no prior head coaching experience. His hiring marked a transition from his long playing career to a leadership role on the sidelines. A former first-round pick, Ginn was selected ninth overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. Over a 14-year professional career, he played for several NFL franchises, including the San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and the Chicago Bears. His most productive years came with Carolina, where he played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl 50 run and recorded over 2,000 receiving yards during his tenure. That experience helped establish him as a reliable veteran presence during his playing career. As the Aviators prepare to face the Dallas Renegades, attention now shifts to how the team will respond on the field amid unexpected off-field developments.