Former Ohio State defensive lineman Adolphus Washington began his NFL Scouting Combine press conference with an apology to Buckeye Nation for his misdemeanor arrest on solicitation charges. Eric Seger of Eleven Warriors reported Washington’s apology on Twitter, as did Jerod Smalley of NBC4 Columbus.
Adolphus Washington re: solicitation charge: "I just want to apologize. I made a dumb, impulsive decision." pic.twitter.com/Gt85hovmd4
— Eric Seger (@EricSeger33) February 26, 2016
Adolphus Washington's first public comments since leaving Ohio State. pic.twitter.com/t6czXowcLP
— Jerod Smalley (@JerodNBC4) February 26, 2016
Washington also clarified that the reason he was suspended for the Fiesta Bowl was not because of his arrest, but because he had been carrying a gun without a permit, per Dave Briggs of The Toledo Blade.
Adolphus Washington confirms he was suspended for Fiesta Bowl because he was carrying gun (w/ permit), not because of prostitution arrest
— Dave Briggs (@DBriggsBlade) February 26, 2016
Either way, one thing is crystal clear. Washington’s experience of being arrested and subsequently going through what local courts describe as “John School” and getting the charge dropped, all while missing what could have been a fine close to his college career has served as a learning experience. The odds of him being a first-round pick are unlikely, but the fact that he has been so up front about anything and hasn’t made any excuses is a testament to his true character.
Hopefully, his off-field issues don’t wind up affecting his draft stock too much.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports