Tag: Damien Martinez

Nov 11, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State lifts suspension on RB Damien Martinez before Sun Bowl

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Oregon State sophomore Damien Martinez, an All-Pac-12 first-team running back, will play in the Sun Bowl game after the school lifted his suspension on Friday.

Martinez was suspended on Nov. 30 after his arrest on Nov. 29 on DUI charges in Corvallis, Ore. The 19-year-old was pulled over for allegedly speeding and subsequently cited for DUI, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and possession of marijuana by a minor.

The Benton County District Attorney’s office said Friday that after reviewing evidence — including newer evidence not available to police on Nov. 29 — “we do not believe sufficient evidence exists to meet the higher burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt in order to support criminal convictions in this matter.”

Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement Friday: “Due to the District Attorney’s decision not to file charges on the DUII or similar offenses against Damien Martinez, he will be allowed to participate in the upcoming bowl game.”

No. 19 Oregon State (8-4) faces No. 16 Notre Dame (9-3) on Dec. 29 in El Paso, Texas.

Martinez has rushed for 1,185 yards — second in the Pac-12 — and nine touchdowns on 194 carries in 12 games this season for a 6.1 average per carry and 98.8-yard average per game. His two-year total is 2,167 yards and 16 TDs on 355 carries in 25 games.

The Beavers lost head coach Jonathan Smith to the same post at Michigan State, and quarterbacks D.J. Uiagalelei and Aidan Chiles have entered the transfer portal.

–Field Level Media

Nov 11, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State’s Damien Martinez out of bowl game after arrest

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Oregon State running back Damien Martinez will not play in the team’s upcoming bowl game following his arrest on DUI charges.

“We are aware of the alleged law violations involving Damien Martinez and take these matters very seriously,” athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement released Thursday night. “Damien will not be participating in the upcoming bowl game and we will continue to gather more information about the investigation.”

Martinez was pulled over for allegedly speeding in Corvallis, Ore., on Wednesday and subsequently cited for DUI and possession of marijuana by a minor.

Martinez addressed his situation in a post on social media Thursday.

“Made a mistake, I am fine, I WAS FINE, I’ll be fine…” Martinez, a sophomore from Lewisville, Texas, wrote.

The No. 20 Beavers were 8-4 in the regular season, and Martinez led them in rushing with 1,185 yards, good for second in the Pac-12. He scored nine touchdowns.

Oregon State will learn its bowl destination on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 11, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State RB Damien Martinez arrested on suspicion of DUII

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Oregon State running back Damien Martinez was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants, according to police in Corvallis, Ore.

The Corvallis police log notes a 19-year-old male, confirmed to be Martinez, is accused of DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering after a traffic stop for running a red light.

Because Martinez is under 21, he was also cited for possession of marijuana as a minor.

Martinez addressed his situation in a post on social media Thursday.

“Made a mistake, I am fine, I WAS FINE, I’ll be fine…” Martinez wrote.

It was unknown what discipline Martinez would face as the No. 20 Beavers await a bowl game assignment.

The Beavers went 8-4 in the regular season, and Martinez led them in rushing, ranking second in the Pac-12 with 1,185 yards. He scored nine touchdowns.

Oregon State already was in a state of flux with coach Jonathan Smith leaving for the Michigan State job and quarterback DJ Uiagalelei reportedly preparing to enter the transfer portal.

–Field Level Media