3 Former Ohio State Football Stars Facing Serious Prison Time
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Three former Ohio State football players are facing serious prison time.
Former Buckeyes stars Kirk Barton, Darron Lee and Marcus Williamson are facing several years in prison for their respective alleged crimes.
Barton, an All-American offensive lineman at Ohio State from 2003-07, pled guilty on Wednesday, March 25. He pled guilty to his role in a a fatal car accident last summer. Barton, who had a brief NFL career, was allegedly speeding close to 115 MPH when he fatally struck another vehicle, taking the life of a Columbus resident. His BAC was reportedly found to be three times the legal limit at the time of the crash. Barton was officially sentenced to at least five years in prison on Wednesday.
But Barton is not alone in his legal troubles.
Former Ohio State Buckeyes star Darron Lee, an ex-NFL Draft first round pick, has been charged in the murder of his girlfriend.
Lee, 31, was a standout at Ohio State. The 2016 first round pick has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the death of his girlfriend, the Hamilton County (Tennessee) Sheriff’s Office announced. Lee was also charged with tampering with evidence.
The ex-Ohio State linebacker star was arrested for assault and domestic violence in 2023.
A third former Ohio State football player is facing serious prison time
Marcus Williamson, a standout former Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back, is facing decades behind bars after he pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to bank robberies.
The ex-Buckeyes defensive back allegedly stole $22,000 from different banks. He is accused of slipping notes to tellers demanding money in $20, $50 and $100 denominations, per the Columbus Dispatch.
Williamson was arrested on April 24, 2024, in Columbus, Ohio. This week, Williamson pleaded guilty to nine counts of bank robbery, with five second-degree felonies and four third-degree felonies.
He is scheduled for sentencing on June 25, and faces up to 40 years in prison.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Mar 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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