WHAT WE KNOW: Glenville HS football players accused of theft

Ted Ginn Sr. leads his team in the handshake line after taking a Week 1 loss to Massillon. (Photo: Chuck Cordes/Ohsfbmedia.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Glenville Tarblooders have had a tough start to the 2026 high school football season.

Their first incident came from the OHSAA handing down disciplinary actions during its monthly board of directors meeting on Thursday, August 27.  For programs that were having full practices or padded practices and/or scrimmages before August 1, 2026. 

Among other schools outside of Glenville that were disciplined for the above-stated violations were: Cincinnati College Preparatory Academy, Cincinnati Withrow.

All three will have fewer practice dates and only one allowed scrimmage next season, according to the OHSAA. 

North College Hill and Hughes received the same penalties for wearing pads during a 7-on-7 competition. Also, the Cincinnati Anderson head coach will serve a one-game suspension for conducting individual skill instruction during full team activities before May 11, 2026, among other violations across the state under OHSAA membership. 

The second and most disturbing incident involved players from the Glenville football program being accused of stealing approximately $ 4,552.04 worth of merchandise from Dick's Sporting Goods located at 1656 Stringtown Road in Grove City, Ohio, according to multiple reports. 

According to Grove City Division of Police Lt. Jason Stern, officers were called around 7:25 p.m. to the above-stated Dick's Sporting Goods store around or about 7:25 p.m. regarding a report of theft. 

The report stated that 15-20 juveniles allegedly stole items, and it was reported that some of the items were returned to the store, although there is still an ongoing investigation for possible criminal charges being pressed against the individuals. 

"Coaches cooperated with the investigation, and some of the merchandise was returned to Dick's Sporting Goods," police said in a report. 

What wasn't stated in the report was there acutual purchases made during the time of the incident and which individuals were responsible. It is widely known that Ted Ginn Sr. runs a class program. 

They were in the Columbus area for a Week 2 game against Olentangy Liberty, which they won 34-13.

Cleveland Metropolitan School District said, "The District is aware of the accusations and is gathering information."

Ohsfbmedia.com contacted a Glenville spokesperson via social media and received this response:

"At this time, we are unable to provide further comment, as the matter remains under active investigation by law enforcement and involves minors. We will respect the investigative process and refrain from commenting further until the appropriate time." 

The investigation is still ongoing.