The domestic violence case involving former Ohio State linebacker Storm Klein has been resolved; now, the question becomes will he be reinstated to the team?
Klein was dismissed from the team by coach Urban Meyer over the summer after he allegedly “violently and purposely grabbed” his girlfriend by her arms and slammed her into a door.
However, Klein pleaded guilty Wednesday to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. Additionally, the domestic violence charge against him was dismissed. Klein’s girlfriend stated that Klein “didn’t hit her, didn’t intend to hurt her” and that “she wanted the charges dropped,” according to court documents.
Klein will serve 18 months probation and must adhere to a behavioral contract with Ohio State. The goal, of course, is reinstatement, which has always been a possibility since the day he was dismissed last month. Trial for the case was rescheduled for Sept. 24, meaning it would have been virtually impossible for Klein to be reinstated to the team this year.
Klein’s class schedule is also set to start later this week, and since he can’t afford to attend school without an athletic scholarship (per Klein’s attorney), one would think a decision by Meyer one way or the other should be made shortly. A team spokesperson has said there will be a “re-assessment” of Klein’s status, but did not give a timetable.
Getting Klein back would be a boost for the Buckeyes’ linebacker depth. The senior started 10 games for Ohio State last season, but has slipped down the depth chart since Meyer’s arrival.