Oregon State running back Damien Martinez won’t have a chance to play in the team’s next game as he has been suspended for the team’s bowl game after his arrest for driving under the influence of intoxicants.
Martinez was stopped for allegedly running a red light and was accused of reckless driving and reckless endangerment. He was cited for being a minor in possession of marijuana, per Corvallis Police.
The officer smelled freshly burned marijuana inside the vehicle, police said. He was issued citations and ordered to appear in court at a later date before being released.
Oregon State released a statement Thursday night from athletic director Scott Barnes that said the sophomore will not play in the Beavers’ upcoming bowl game, which will be announced Sunday.
“We are aware of the alleged law violations involving Damien Martinez and take these matters very seriously. Damien will not be participating in the upcoming bowl game and we will continue to gather more information about the investigation,” Barnes said.
The 19-year-old sophomore led the Beavers with 1,185 rushing yards and nine touchdowns this season. Oregon State (8-4) is waiting to learn its bowl destination.
Martinez was named the 2022 Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Pac 12 first team after rushing for 982 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago.
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With an 8-4 finish to the regular season, Oregon State is expected to get a decent bowl bid. With Martinez out, it’s going to be increasingly hard for them to win.
