Thad Matta saved Ohio State star's career after a DUI arrest Former Ohio State men’s basketball player J.J. Sullinger shared a heartfelt tribute to former Buckeyes coach Thad Matta, revealing how the coach’s support during a critical moment in his career helped him stay on the team. Sullinger recounted the incident in a social media post, detailing how he faced potential removal from the program after a DUI arrest in 2004. Sullinger described being pulled over for suspected driving under the influence on September 4, 2004, and subsequently detained. He called Matta around 2:30 a.m. to inform him of the situation, which occurred just days before Matta was set to be introduced as the new Ohio State coach during the home-opening football game. At the time, Sullinger believed his college career was over, but Matta took a different approach. The two met the following week, and Sullinger said Matta gave him a second chance. He described completing three key actions: writing over 350 hand-written apologies, committing to fitness, and preparing for his junior season. Sullinger emphasized that Matta’s decision to trust him, despite pressure from others, was instrumental in his eventual success. Sullinger went on to play his junior and senior seasons under Matta’s leadership, averaging 10.1 points and seven rebounds per game during the 2005-06 season. That year, Matta guided Ohio State to a Big Ten regular-season title and the program’s first March Madness bid in four years. The Buckeyes earned a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament and reached the second round before falling to No. 7 Georgetown. In his social media post, Sullinger expressed gratitude for Matta’s support, calling him a “big reason” he is where he is today. He also highlighted the coach’s dedication to winning, writing, “Never get tired of preparing to win.#big_ten #ncaa_tournament #ohio_state #thad_matta #j_j_sullinger
