In June 2018, former Ohio State University offensive lineman Kirk Barton was involved in a significant legal incident at the Bogey Bar & Grill in Dublin, Ohio. Barton, who played for the Buckeyes from 2004 to 2007 and earned All-American honors in his senior year, faced charges of felonious assault on a police officer following an altercation at the establishment.
Incident Overview
On the evening of June 1, 2018, during the Memorial Tournament weekend, Barton was present at the Bogey Bar & Grill. Due to his apparent intoxication and disruptive behavior—reportedly stumbling and knocking into other patrons—management requested assistance from deputies assigned to special duty at the event to have him removed from the premises.
Deputies escorted Barton outside without initial incident and attempted to secure transportation for him via a taxi van. However, Barton was unable to provide his home address to the taxi driver. As deputies assisted in retrieving his identification to facilitate the process, Barton allegedly slammed the van’s sliding door on a deputy’s arm. This action prompted deputies to deploy a Taser to subdue him, after which he was placed under arrest.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Barton was charged with felonious assault on a peace officer and resisting arrest. He was arraigned in Delaware Municipal Court, with his attorney, Sam Shamansky, expressing concern for the injured deputy and indicating that he had not yet reviewed all the evidence to determine the case’s direction.
Background on Kirk Barton
Kirk Barton was a prominent figure in Ohio State football during his tenure. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, he was a formidable presence on the offensive line. After his collegiate career, Barton was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. His professional career included stints with several NFL teams, including the Miami Dolphins, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Denver Broncos, before retiring in 2010.
Public and Media Reaction
The incident garnered attention from various media outlets, reflecting the community’s interest in the legal troubles of a former local sports figure. Reports highlighted the severity of the charges and the circumstances leading to Barton’s arrest.
Conclusion
The 2018 arrest of Kirk Barton at the Bogey Bar & Grill serves as a reminder of the challenges that public figures can face and the legal consequences of actions taken under the influence of alcohol. The incident underscores the importance of responsible behavior, especially for individuals in the public eye, and the serious implications of assaulting law enforcement officers.