Update (8:47 p.m. PST):
Damien Martinez will not be playing in the Beavers’ upcoming bowl game after his arrest Wednesday night for allegedly driving under the influence of intoxicants, according to Scott Barnes, Oregon State University Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics.
In a statement this evening, Barnes said, “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.”
Original Story (4:29 p.m. PST):
Corvallis Police confirmed Thursday Oregon State University running back Damien Martinez was arrested Wednesday night after allegedly driving under the influence of intoxicants.
According to the Corvallis Daily Activity Log, a 19-year-old Corvallis male was arrested for DUII after being stopped for running a red traffic light at the intersection of NW second Street and NW Van Buren Avenue. He was charged with DUII/Reckless Driving/Reckless Endangering, and cited for Minor In Posession-marijuana.
Captain Joel Goodwin of the Corvallis Police Department confirmed that Marinez was the 19-year old arrested.
Goodwin said the officer pulled over Martinez around 11:40 p.m. Wednesday and “observed the odor of freshly-burned marijuana coming from the car.”
Martinez, a sophomore, racked up more than 1,000 rushing yards and rushed for nine touchdowns this season. Martinez was the 2022 PAC-12 Offensive Freshman Of The Year, and is a semi-finalist for the 2023 Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top college running back.
Beverly Conant • Dec 3, 2023 at 1:05 am
Well today when I found this out about what happened to our 19-year-old Damien Martinez had been arrested. I am just so sad about this and I hope you are too but let me tell you my darling. You have hurt yourself, your teammates, all the coeds of the school. If you young men are to be a role model for others you know you can’t and shouldn’t be doing any of the things you did. I’m a Beaver fan by my choice. I certainly won’t stop because of what happened. You know it was wrong to do what you did and to be liked by others, you don’t need to do anything but just be yourself. I think you are a very caring, intelligent, thoughtful and a giving person. You will be in my prayers and I’m truly sorry for what happened. But we must follow the rules. And accept the discipline you were given. I will also have your family in my prayers because you hurt them also. So sorry to hear that you won’t be playing in the bowl game. May the Lord be with you and comfort you.
Shawn James • Dec 2, 2023 at 12:01 pm
Ducks will take him
SJ • Dec 2, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Ducks will take him
Bill • Dec 1, 2023 at 11:40 pm
After losing thier coach and not having a place to play next year, I don’t think very many of the players care anymore. Sad that this young man made a bad choice and I really hope he can keep his chin up and come back a better person. Can’t blame it all on how the coach handled leaving but it sure didn’t help the moral of this team that played thier hearts out for him and then he lied to them just before the biggest game of the season. The team already heard the coach was already leaving ,but lying to them just before the game must of hurt. He should of been honest and told them the truth and stayed around to coach them in thier bowl game,,,he owed them that much.
Michi Kaputnik • Dec 1, 2023 at 7:34 am
Hopefully He Learns from this. If he wants to take the next step up and play in the NFL.
Michele Vinson • Nov 30, 2023 at 11:36 pm
What a shame! Goes to show these young kids are not making good decisions where their futures are concerned.
Mark James • Nov 30, 2023 at 7:49 pm
He’ll probably need a ride. Sad.
Howard Pennington • Nov 30, 2023 at 7:38 pm
Hard way to learn how to obey the law.