ARLINGTON, Tx — Ohio State junior cornerback Denzel Ward will not play in tonight’s Cotton Bowl Classic as he will be entering the NFL Draft and did not want to risk injury. He released a statement via Twitter. Ohio State also issued a statement, which is below Ward’s statement.
Go bucks! pic.twitter.com/DfBOKYQzhO
— Denzel Ward (@Flash_Ward12) December 30, 2017
Ohio State also issued a statement on Ward.
Regarding Junior CB Denzel Ward
Ohio State junior cornerback Denzel Ward will not play in tonight’s game against USC and he will not return for his senior season with the Buckeyes in 2018. Ward wrestled with the decision to play (or not) throughout the bowl prep practices, leaving open his decision until game day. So he practiced, but he also helped the younger players in the program who were getting additional reps at cornerback this past month. The coaching staff was aware that Denzel’s decision to play or not play would not be made final until game day. He elected today to sit out.
Ward, in his first season as a starter, was a consensus All-American for the Buckeyes in 2017. He led with team with 15 pass break-ups and 17 total passes defended (two interceptions and 15 PBUs). He also contributed 37 tackles, including 30 solo stops, and a crucial blocked punt that helped rally the Buckeyes to their 39-38 victory over No. 2 Penn State in October. He is from Macedonia, Ohio, and Nordonia High School.
Maybe he should take up a non combat sport. Table tennis anyone
Denzel has given his all to this team and I do not question his dedication whatsoever. Lest us forget his father passed between the 2015 and 20016 season and I don’t recall him taking excessive time off. His fathers passing was very unexpected and Denzel probably saw the writing on the wall. Life is short, make $ while you can when you can because when your ability passes, the opportunity shrinks. Taking care of your family is not selfish. It’s actually a Biblical principal. Rock the NFL Denzel, and please never kneel for the Anthem.
I went to the 2016 Fiesta Bowl – Ohio State vs Notre Dame. In the first half, the Irish stud LB, Jalen Smith?, a senior and high on the draft list, had his acl torn. He fell in the draft and it literally cost him millions of dollars.
I love the Buckeyes as much as anyone, but all I have at stake is my feelings. If Denzel is my son, there is no way he risks injury for what is basically an exhibition game.
That said, I agree that if he isn’t playing, he stays home.
Okay Buckeyenut, I’m like a walleye you’ve hooked, I’ll play the game. Here’s the object of the game- answer when enough is enough for perfectly healthy, starting players to miss a game? Ready? Here we go…
1) In 2018 OSU plays Rutgers and Tulane in September. Would it be okay for, say, Nick Bosa to skip both those games? After all, its “just” Tulane and Rutgers, right? Its not a ‘big time” game and he isn’t getting paid, right? Why “risk” playing?
2) What if OSU isn’t in the hunt for a BIG title or a playoff spot vs UM? Would it be okay for Jerome Baker to sit? After all, its “just” our biggest rival, but its not like he’s getting paid…right?
3) What if we do make it to BIG championship game, and Nick Bosa has done so well he’s projected to be the FIRST player taken in the 2019 draft? Should he sit? He’s not being paid after all, and its “risky” to play….
4) How about if OSU is fortunate enough to make the Playoff next year? They don’t get paid to be in playoff games. Should all the projected 1st-3rd round NFL players sit out? After all, its next man up, right?
I hope you get where this is headed. Here’s the bottom line. The players are taught from a young age to be part of a team. They all need help and are supported by coaches, other teammates, even medical staff if they are injured. During those times they are NEVER abandoned if their school choice was wise. But now its suddenly okay to forget all that because its “risky”? Unless you want college football to become the mess that college basketball has become- completely disloyal coaches and players all looking out for themselves only- you should rethink your stance. These sit out decisions absolutely reek of selfishness, cowardice, and disloyalty. Trying to make exceptions like Jalen Smith appear to be the rule, doesn’t disguise this for what it truly is.
By the way, Jaylon Smith (corrected spelling) signed a 4 year, 6 million dollar plus contract, about 3 mil of which is guaranteed. He’s doing ok I think- for a Notre Lame player
Add my voice to the chorus. I believe had he been injured, he would have a $5 million insurance payout. College football is losing too much that makes it such a great sport,
And Denzel Ward will be forgotten in 5…4…3…2… who?
I have loved watching him play this season. He sometimes seemed like he was everywhere on the field. As much as I dislike this trend of skipping bowl games, I’m not going to turn on a great Buckeye player at this point in time.
Mark B- you mean, like he turned on his own team? At what point in time do you turn? Jeesh.
If you don’t value the brotherhood enough to play for it, don’t make the trip. Wanted all the perks of the bowl experience without doing your part to bring victory. Victory was threatened by a great opponent and you weren’t there to help protect your brothers. Helping your brothers win one more wasn’t your priority. Joke.
Better he sits than gives a 50% effort. However, he should have never been allowed to make the trip to Dallas. He was a distraction. Want to sit? Fine, sit at home.
He should’ve been sent home that day or should’ve been banished to his hotel room… and absolutely not on the sideline with his team. Take that scholarship too; not that he’d care.
Did I say “his team?” I meant the real team. He’s not on the team.
Here’s a thought:
NFL should have to pay the schools a set percent of each player’s initial bonus with the minimum equal to 2X the cost of the scholarship of each player drafted or signed.
Agreed with all the above comments….not much respect in making a decision like that at game time…..selfish….so much for the brotherhood…..but the worst thing is allowing the idiot to stand on the sidelines with all of whom USED to be his teammates….
Taking till the very end.
If you don’t want to play, you should be at home, or anywhere else but the sidelines. The sidelines should be reserved for the team, and you are not the team. Go count your money somewhere else. Good luck and don’t let the door hit you in the ass. GO BUCKS!
John- utterly correct. He should have been made to decide BEFORE the team left for Texas. If he chose to play, then great. If not, then stay home because he’d be little more than baggage that talks. The tail should NOT be wagging the dog in this instance. I am surprised and a bit relieved that there is so little support for his cowardly decision in the reader comments- maybe a sign of optimism for 2018!
Can’t agree more….
Understand your decision, yes. Respect it? No. You’re either all-in or you’re not. Every day of your life you’ll risk injury and while this decision mitigates that somewhat, it’s also a clear signal that you put yourself ahead of your team.
So what if you get hurt! A lot of guys have gotten hurt and still made it to the NFL. A serious injury would certainly be a different story! For that matter, you could be killed in an automobile accident any time or some other way of losing your life, so you should have played. But for the team and THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY WHO GAVE YOU A FREE RIDE, YOU SHOULD HAVE BEEN IN THERE PLAYING! THERE SHOULD BE A RULE THAT NO PLAYER CAN MAKE A DECISION LIKE THAT BEFORE HIS TEAM HAS COMPLETELY FINISHED THE SEASON! THE PROS NEED THE NCAA TO HELP BY MAKING THAT DISTINCTION!
So much for playing for his “brothers”. Very selfish, self-centered act.
Definitely didn’t learn anything from your team. Good riddance.
As a Buckeyes fan I would have preferred that he had played, but do understand his struggle with making the decision. By sitting out (and being assured of staying healthy), he’s a sure lock to be a multi-millionaire by summer. He’ll go in the top half of the first round, and if handles his affairs wisely, will be set financially for life. That would be hard to pass up for anyone in his position.
Should never have been alllowed on the sideline. Selfish punk.
Pretty disappointing… I get the “business decision”, but somethings money can never buy. Fighting with your brothers to victory is one of them. As an NFL owner, I’d pass on Ward. He doesn’t possess what it takes to be a champion.
I was shocked but the problem is not this incident…there is simply too much money involved. NCAA football has become the what is the minor league to baseball…
What a little bitch!
We know we are great fans. Are you great buckeye?
You can be assured that you will not be remembered as such. Then again, you probably don’t care…so off you go…
I know I will not be rooting for you ever again.
This was my take. You will never be remembered fondling by me nor will I ever root for you again. Darnold played and he will more than likely be a higher draft pick than you. I’m sure he took a worse beating than you would have at CB. I have respect for him, you not so much.
CO-WARD!
Get your weak ass off the sidelines. if you don’t want to play for your team and your school, then go home. would serve him right to get injured at the combine.
I really hate this trend in college football and honestly it’s disappointing to me to not be out there with your teammates..call me old school–but to me that’s honor and pride and playing for your brothers…very disappointing.
Way to be there for the team Denzel. Wow
“F” Denzel Ward. He can’t play with the team because he’s afraid he’ll get hurt, lol? What a selfish jerk.