Former Ohio State offensive lineman Kirk Barton is facing an aggravated vehicular manslaughter charge following a fatal crash early Saturday morning, according to multiple reports.

Police in Dublin, Ohio, say Barton is suspected of speeding, although they haven’t said how fast they suspect him of driving, when his truck hit a car at 2:56 a.m. ET. The driver of that car, 24-year-old Ethan Wence Perry, died at the scene, ESPN reported Saturday.  

Barton was driving a Ford F-150 Raptor pickup eastbound on U.S. 33 before he crashed into Perry’s westbound Lexus on West Bridge Street, just west of Franklin Street, according to The Columbus Dispatch.

Barton, 40, was hospitalized briefly with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police. He was later taken to Franklin County Jail, where he is facing the felony charge. Barton has a court hearing on June 23.

Barton was an offensive lineman for Ohio State from 2003-2007 and started at right tackle for four seasons. In his final season with the Buckeyes in 2007, he was team captain for the 11-2 Big Ten championship-winning OSU team.

Barton went on to play in the NFL, being drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. 

Barton has a history of traffic offenses dating back to his first year in the NFL, per The Columbus Dispatch’s report, including speeding and suspicion of OVI (Operating a Vehicle Impaired).

In all the speeding cases, Barton paid a fine. One OVI charge from 2010 was dismissed, and another from 2017 was pleaded down to reckless operation and failure to stop. He received another fine and a 180-day license suspension.

This is a developing story.

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Kirby Smart’s Recruiting Resilience

In the high-stakes world of college football, the emotional toll of losing key players can weigh heavily on a coach. Kirby Smart, head coach of the University of Georgia, has recently navigated the unsettling aftermath of losing 18 pivotal players. This mass exodus has not only reshaped his roster but has also posed significant challenges on the recruiting front. Yet, in the face of adversity, Smart has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building a formidable team.

Navigating the Fallout of Player Departures

The departure of such a substantial number of athletes is not merely a logistical headache; it carries with it a profound emotional impact. Each player lost represents not just a statistic but a unique story, a personal connection, and a piece of the team’s identity. Smart, who has built his reputation on cultivating strong relationships with his players, is undoubtedly feeling the weight of these losses. The emotional cost of such a transition can be staggering, often leading to a period of adjustment as the team seeks to redefine its culture and cohesion.

A Surge in Recruiting Success

Despite the challenges, Smart has quickly shifted gears on the recruiting trail, showcasing his ability to adapt and strategize under pressure. In a remarkable display of determination, he secured commitments from four highly sought-after recruits within just a week in June. This impressive feat serves as a testament to his recruiting prowess and the enduring appeal of the Georgia program. Smart’s ability to attract top talent speaks volumes about his vision for the future, even in the wake of significant roster changes.

The NIL Factor in Modern College Football

Central to Smart’s current recruiting strategy is the emerging landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have transformed how college athletes are compensated. The challenge of navigating this new terrain is compounded by financial limitations; a staggering $220,000 NIL hurdle stands in the way of securing a pivotal recruit. This figure underscores the competitive nature of college football today, where financial incentives can heavily influence a player’s decision to join a program.

Smart’s clear stance on NIL reflects a broader philosophy that prioritizes the integrity of the program while still striving to remain competitive. His approach highlights the delicate balance coaches must strike between fostering player development and adapting to the evolving dynamics of recruitment.

Looking Ahead: Building a New Legacy

As Kirby Smart continues to chart a path forward for the Georgia Bulldogs, the journey will be marked by resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to excellence. While the emotional cost of losing 18 key players cannot be understated, it has also opened the door for new opportunities and fresh talent. The challenge of rebuilding is daunting, yet it is also a chance for Smart to redefine his legacy and solidify his vision for the program.

In the ever-changing landscape of college football, Smart’s ability to navigate these complexities will ultimately determine the future success of his team. As he embraces the challenge ahead, the focus remains on fostering a new generation of athletes who can carry the torch and uphold the proud tradition of Georgia football. The road may be fraught with obstacles, but with each recruiting victory, Smart inches closer to crafting a new chapter in the storied history of the Bulldogs.

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Former ESPN star Pablo S. Torre aimed a brutal putdown at FOX Sports host Nick Wright, claiming he is still ‘banned’ from the show and that both he and Larsa Pippen are ‘obsessed’ with Michael Jordan.

Pablo S. Torre, formerly of ESPN, didn’t hold back in his critique of FOX Sports’ Nick Wright this week, suggesting that Wright is still barred from his podcast – while jesting that both he and Larsa Pippen share an “obsession” with basketball legend Michael Jordan.

As the NBA great gears up to step into sports broadcasting next season, Jordan, a six-time champ, is slated to join NBC’s NBA coverage team. At 62, Jordan is shifting focus from his 23XI NASCAR venture to offer special commentary on NBA matchups starting next season.

Despite previous declarations of steering clear from media roles, he’s set to take on a position akin to Tom Brady’s NFL analysis. On his ‘Pablo Torre Finds Out’ podcast, Torre didn’t shy away from calling out Wright for his repeated digs at Jordan, confirming that Wright remains unwelcome on his show.

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“It’s hard for me to tell,” Torre mused about his rapport with Wright. “Is Nick Wright still banned from PTFO? I think the answer must be ‘Yes,’

“And also, ‘Does Nick Wright have something in common with Larsa Pippen?’ I would say, ‘Yes.’

“Yeah, I would say they’re both almost clinically obsessed with Michael Jordan. That seems to be a throughline, so yeah, f— you Nick Wright.”

However, during Thursday’s podcast episode, Torre seemed to soften his stance, acknowledging a shared trait between himself and Wright.

“I just think that Nick Wright and I are both jealous of people who are more ambitious and more creative than us,” he admitted.

“And that’s how I feel about The Rehearsal, and that’s clearly how he feels about this show.

“So the ultimate compliment – the ultimate compliment is that I want to be more like The Rehearsal, I think.”

Jordan is gearing up to kick off his new gig with NBC as they take over broadcasting the NBA season, starting with the 2025-26 regular season.