Buckeyes guard Sullinger charged with drunken driving

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio State junior guard J.J. Sullinger has been charged with drunken driving and is scheduled to appear in court two days before the Buckeyes start practice.

A message seeking comment on Sullinger's status with the team was left Tuesday for coach Thad Matta, who was out of state on a recruiting trip. Sports information director Steve Snapp said it's the university's policy not to comment on legal matters.

Sullinger, 22, was stopped by Columbus police early Sept. 4 after he was observed driving erratically, according to a police report. His blood-alcohol level was measured at 0.099, above Ohio's legal limit of 0.08.

His father, Satch Sullinger, said Monday that his son had two beers with friends who were not teammates.

"It was not in-season, he is not underage. He just made a real bad mistake the first time he had a couple beers," Satch Sullinger said. "It'll probably be the last time."

The 6-foot-5 Sullinger averaged 10.1 points in 30 games last season. He transferred to Ohio State in 2002 after one season at Arkansas.

His arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 14 in Franklin County Municipal Court.