Penn State Football Player Charged With DUI

Nittany Lions defensive end Amin Vanover charged with driving under the influence of a controlled substance.

A general view of Penn State's Beaver Stadium prior to a college football game. / Matthew OHaren-Imagn Images

State College Police on Monday charged Penn State football player Amin Vanover with driving under the influence. Police charged Vanover with two misdemeanor counts of DUI of a controlled substance and cited him for driving an unregistered vehicle, according to online court records. Both misdemeanor counts are first-time offenses, according to court records. Vanover, 23, is a fifth-year senior who plays defensive end for the Nittany Lions.

The charges resulted from an alleged incident that occurred Aug. 8 in State College, according to court records. Statecollege.com, which obtained the affidavit of probable cause, reported that police stopped Vanover's car because of an a expired registration plate. In the affidavit, police wrote that the car smelled of marijuana and that Vanover's "pupils appeared to be blood shot and sleepy in appearance."

Vanover, who was alone in the car, allegedly failed field sobriety tests and was arrested, the affidavit said. Vanover later submitted to a blood test at a local hospital, and the test was positive for THC, police wrote. According to the affidavit, Vanover told police that friends smoked marijuana in the car. He also told police that he did not have a medical marijuana card, the affidavit said.

Asked about the situation after practice Tuesday in State College, Penn State coach James Franklin said he does not normally discuss internal punishments. Penn State Athletics released a statement.

"We are aware of the charges against Amin Vanover. These alleged actions do not reflect the values and standards of our program and will be addressed. We will not comment any further as this is an ongoing legal matter," the statement said.

Vanover is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Oct. 2. Vanover has played in Penn State's first two games, recording two tackles and one quarterback hurry.

Penn State has a bye this week. The Nittany Lions return action Sept. 21 at home against Kent State. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET at Beaver Stadium.

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