Two Oregon State football players face DUII and reckless driving charges in separate November incidents — sparking serious disciplinary action and public debate.
Two Oregon State University football players, wide receivers Jimmy Valsin III and David Wells Jr., have been arrested on separate occasions in November for alleged driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII) and reckless driving. Both players are confronting Class A misdemeanor charges under Oregon state law, according to recently released court documents. But here's where it gets complicated — the two incidents occurred weeks apart, and both players are now removed from team activities just as the Beavers close their regular season.
According to legal filings, Valsin was cited at about 5 a.m. on November 1 near Bellfountain and Llewellyn Roads, just south of Corvallis. Court records show he pleaded not guilty to both charges during his arraignment on November 19, with his next court appearance set for December 16. Valsin is being represented by defense attorney Mike Flinn — the same attorney currently handling a criminal case involving another Oregon State defensive back, Exodus Ayers, who faces assault and harassment allegations. Interestingly, Valsin hasn’t yet played a single game this season due to injury.
Wells’s arrest occurred later in the month, on November 23. However, as of Saturday morning, no additional details regarding his arrest were available on Oregon’s online judicial database. His name does appear in the Benton County Sheriff’s daily activity log, confirming the arrest. Wells, unlike Valsin, has been a key contributor to Oregon State’s offense this year — appearing in all 11 games and ranking second on the team with 44 receptions for 466 yards, along with a team-leading four touchdown catches. That makes his absence in the lineup especially significant.
Responding to the arrests, OSU athletic director Scott Barnes issued a written statement stressing that the university takes such matters seriously. He confirmed that both Valsin and Wells are currently suspended from all football-related participation pending further investigation. His statement underlines the program’s zero-tolerance stance regarding off-field misconduct.
Both players are missing the Beavers’ regular-season finale on Saturday against Washington State — a game set for 3:30 p.m. PT at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington. The matchup airs nationally on The CW, with streaming available locally through DirectTV and Fubo services, though access may vary depending on regional rights within the Pacific Northwest.
Meanwhile, the Beavers also made headlines this week for a very different reason: the announcement of their new head coach, JaMarcus Shephard, officially hired on Friday morning. Shephard’s appointment has been met with optimism across the college football world — at least by some. A veteran coach praised the decision, saying, “I just like the guy.” Others, however, question whether his experience is enough to turn around the team’s 2-9 season. And this is the part most fans are struggling with — how will the program rebuild its reputation both on and off the field?
With legal cases pending, a new coaching era beginning, and a disappointing season record in the books, Oregon State football finds itself at a major crossroads. The question now isn’t just about playmaking — it’s about leadership, accountability, and trust.
What’s your take on this? Should the program suspend players immediately after charges, or wait until legal proceedings are complete? Share your thoughts — this is one story that could divide fans right down the middle.
