BREAKING: Bodycam Video Emerges of Coach Kevin McGuff’s OVI Arrest — Ohio State Faces Mounting Pressure as Contract Permits Termination “For Cause”

In a dramatic turn of events that has shaken the Ohio State women’s basketball program, newly surfaced bodycam footage of head coach Kevin McGuff’s arrest for Operating a Vehicle Impaired (OVI) has thrown his future with the university into uncertainty. With a $675,000 annual contract hanging in the balance and language permitting immediate termination “for cause,” the Buckeyes administration is now confronting a critical decision with significant implications both on and off the court.

The video, which began circulating online late Thursday night, depicts McGuff’s interaction with police after being pulled over. Officers reported erratic driving before initiating the stop. According to the footage, McGuff appeared disoriented and was asked to perform a field sobriety test, during which he reportedly struggled to maintain his balance. Authorities say a breathalyzer test administered at the scene returned a blood alcohol content above the legal limit.

Kevin McGuff, 54, has led the Buckeyes women’s basketball team since 2013 and has become a staple of Ohio State athletics, guiding the team to multiple NCAA tournament appearances and Big Ten title runs. Yet this incident could mark a devastating end to his tenure. Though McGuff has issued a brief public statement expressing “deep remorse” and pledging full cooperation with legal proceedings and the university’s internal review, public pressure has intensified.

Athletic Director Gene Smith has yet to speak publicly on the matter, but sources within the athletic department suggest that university officials are actively reviewing McGuff’s employment terms. His contract reportedly includes a clear clause that permits termination “for cause” if the coach engages in conduct that brings public disrepute, contempt, scandal, or that reflects unfavorably upon the university’s reputation.

Legal experts note that the combination of video evidence, an official arrest report, and the coach’s admission of wrongdoing could satisfy the university’s threshold for terminating his contract without owing the remainder of his salary.

McGuff is currently facing misdemeanor charges and will appear in court next week. If convicted, he could face penalties including license suspension, mandatory alcohol education programs, and even jail time, although first-time offenders often receive probation.

However, silence from the leadership since then has only fueled debate. Some fans and boosters have called for immediate action, while others urge the administration to weigh McGuff’s long-standing contributions and allow the legal process to play out.

As of Friday morning, assistant coaches have assumed temporary control of team activities. Summer workouts were reportedly paused pending further administrative guidance. Several players have expressed support for their coach privately but declined to speak publicly on the situation. Still, questions loom large over the program’s stability heading into the 2025 season.

Recruits and their families are also watching closely. With a high-profile coaching staff and top-tier athletic resources, Ohio State has consistently drawn top high school talent. However, instability at the top could quickly shift the landscape.

The university’s Board of Trustees and athletic department leadership now face a pivotal decision: protect the integrity of the program by parting ways with a coach who violated public trust—or risk backlash by retaining him under conditions of discipline or suspension.

Public opinion appears sharply divided. Some argue that McGuff deserves a second chance, citing his decade-long commitment to the program and previous spotless record. Others insist the university must uphold the highest standards of accountability, especially from those in leadership positions.

Kevin McGuff’s fate now rests in the hands of Ohio State’s decision-makers, who must weigh loyalty, legality, and leadership in determining whether the Buckeyes’ sideline will look different this fall. With a high salary, a visible position, and a contract clause that opens the door for immediate dismissal, time is running out for the university to act decisively.