A UFL head coach was arrested in Texas just before a big game, but the details of his 1 a.m. arrest led to a ‘serious mistake’ admission

Ted Ginn Jr., the current head coach of the Columbus Aviators in the United Football League, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Tarrant County, Texas. The coach was stopped by local police at approximately 1:00 AM after allegedly failing to yield on a turn. Following the stop, he reportedly failed a field sobriety test and was taken into custody. Ginn was released from jail later that same day on a $1,000 bond.

This incident occurred just one day before the Aviators were scheduled to face off against the Dallas Renegades. In the wake of the arrest, the team announced that offensive coordinator Todd Haley would step in to handle head coaching duties for the game, according to People. The Aviators ultimately lost that matchup to the Renegades with a final score of 28 to 23.

UFL president and CEO Russ Brandon confirmed the organization’s awareness of the situation, noting that the league was in the process of gathering more information regarding the incident. Ginn took to X the next day to issue a public apology for his actions. He expressed a desire to remain accountable as a leader and professional, stating that he made a serious mistake and that he takes full responsibility for his actions.

Losing the coach and the game in 24 hours hurts

Ginn emphasized that he has always believed in accountability and that it is now his turn to live by that standard. He acknowledged that falling short of the responsibility that comes with being a leader and a role model is not something he takes lightly. The coach noted his commitment to learning from the situation and making better decisions in the future to earn back the trust of his players, the organization, and the fans.

He also expressed appreciation for the support of his family and the UFL while stating his respect for the legal process as it moves forward. His stated focus is on taking the necessary steps to grow and represent the Columbus Aviators and the community in the right way. Ginn’s arrest comes at a time when headlines regarding athlete DUIs are increasing; just weeks ago, Tiger Woods was arrested for a DUI in Florida, adding to a string of high-profile incidents involving major sports figures.

His professional journey saw him play for six different teams, including the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears. Throughout his time in the league, Ginn was widely recognized for his exceptional speed, having been timed at 4.22 in the 40-yard dash during his personal training sessions. His NFL career was marked by several high-profile moments and transitions.

As a rookie with the Miami Dolphins, he made an immediate impact on special teams, including a memorable game where he tied an NFL record with two kickoff returns for touchdowns in a single contest. He later served as a key contributor for the San Francisco 49ers, helping the team reach Super Bowl XLVII. During his stints with the Carolina Panthers, Ginn recorded a career-high 10 touchdowns in the 2015 season and played a role in the team’s run to Super Bowl 50.

After a final stint with the Chicago Bears, Ginn officially announced his retirement from professional football on July 16, 2021. Ginn was appointed as the head coach of the Columbus Aviators on December 17, 2025. His arrest has drawn significant attention given his long history in professional football and his current role as a leader in the UFL. As the legal process continues in Texas, the focus for the organization remains on navigating the fallout from the weekend’s events.

The swift decision to have Todd Haley take over coaching duties for the game against the Dallas Renegades shows how quickly the team had to react to the news of the arrest.