Former NFL Star Ted Ginn Jr. Arrested for DWI Before 41st Birthday

Ginn, the head coach of the Columbus Aviators in the UFL, was pulled over for a traffic violation that escalated into a misdemeanor charge.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 12:20am

An extreme close-up of a set of car keys and a crumpled traffic ticket, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the legal troubles of a football coach.A DWI arrest just hours before a crucial game exposes the off-field challenges facing a startup football league.Euless Today

Ted Ginn Jr., the former NFL wide receiver and current head coach of the Columbus Aviators in the United Football League (UFL), was arrested in Euless, Texas for driving while intoxicated (DWI) just hours before his 41st birthday. The arrest came after Ginn was pulled over for failing to yield on a turn, leading to a Class B misdemeanor charge.

Why it matters

Ginn's arrest is a major setback for both the coach and the fledgling UFL, which is still trying to establish credibility as a professional football league. The incident overshadows the on-field product and raises questions about accountability and decision-making within the organization.

The details

According to police reports, Ginn was stopped shortly after midnight on Saturday for failing to yield on a turn, which then escalated into a DWI charge. Ginn addressed the incident on his birthday, stating that he "made a serious mistake" and takes "full responsibility" for his actions. The Aviators were forced to have offensive coordinator Todd Haley fill in as head coach for Sunday's game against the Dallas Renegades.

  • Ginn was arrested shortly after midnight on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • Ginn's 41st birthday was on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Ted Ginn Jr.

A former NFL wide receiver who is currently the head coach of the Columbus Aviators in the United Football League (UFL).

Todd Haley

The offensive coordinator for the Columbus Aviators who filled in as head coach for the team's game on Sunday after Ginn's arrest.

Russ Brandon

The CEO of the United Football League (UFL).

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I made a serious mistake and take full responsibility for my actions. I've always believed in accountability and now it's my turn to live that standard.”

— Ted Ginn Jr., Head Coach, Columbus Aviators

“We are gathering more information on the situation.”

— Russ Brandon, CEO, United Football League

What’s next

The UFL has stated that it is gathering more information on Ginn's arrest, and it remains to be seen if he will face any disciplinary action from the league. The Aviators will also need to determine if Ginn will continue as head coach or if they will make a permanent change.

The takeaway

Ginn's arrest is a significant setback for both the coach and the UFL, as it overshadows the on-field product and raises questions about accountability and decision-making within the organization. The incident highlights the challenges that startup professional sports leagues face in establishing credibility and maintaining a positive public image.