Oregon State lifts suspension on RB Damien Martinez before Sun Bowl

Field Level Media|published: Fri 15th December, 21:20 2023

Nov 11, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Reser Stadium. credits: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State sophomore Damien Martinez, an All-Pac-12 first-team running back, will play in the Sun Bowl game after the school lifted his suspension on Friday.

Martinez was suspended on Nov. 30 after his arrest on Nov. 29 on DUI charges in Corvallis, Ore. The 19-year-old was pulled over for allegedly speeding and subsequently cited for DUI, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and possession of marijuana by a minor.

The Benton County District Attorney's office said Friday that after reviewing evidence — including newer evidence not available to police on Nov. 29 — "we do not believe sufficient evidence exists to meet the higher burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt in order to support criminal convictions in this matter."

Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement Friday: "Due to the District Attorney's decision not to file charges on the DUII or similar offenses against Damien Martinez, he will be allowed to participate in the upcoming bowl game."

No. 19 Oregon State (8-4) faces No. 16 Notre Dame (9-3) on Dec. 29 in El Paso, Texas.

Martinez has rushed for 1,185 yards — second in the Pac-12 — and nine touchdowns on 194 carries in 12 games this season for a 6.1 average per carry and 98.8-yard average per game. His two-year total is 2,167 yards and 16 TDs on 355 carries in 25 games.

The Beavers lost head coach Jonathan Smith to the same post at Michigan State, and quarterbacks D.J. Uiagalelei and Aidan Chiles have entered the transfer portal.

—Field Level Media