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When will Buckeyes Meechie Johnson, Aaron Bradshaw return? Here’s what Jake Diebler said

Published

1 year ago

December 18, 2024

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When will Buckeyes Meechie Johnson, Aaron Bradshaw return? Here’s what Jake Diebler said

Ohio State’s availability took another unforeseen turn Tuesday evening.

As the Buckeyes took the floor to host Valparaiso at Value City Arena, two injured players remained unavailable. Ques Glover and Colin White, who have now missed eight and five consecutive games, respectively, are dealing with ankle injuries they suffered while playing in games. The two continue to progress, coach Jake Diebler has said, but it’s not clear how quickly they will heal.

The other half of the availability report was a lot less cut-and-dry. Sophomore center Aaron Bradshaw, although technically available to play, was again out for a second consecutive game while working his way back into the mix after not being allowed to participate in team activities for nearly a month due to a university investigation into an alleged domestic incident at his off-campus apartment.

Joining him on the list was fifth-year guard Meechie Johnson Jr., who along with Bradshaw was a critical part of a transfer recruiting class for Diebler’s first full year. A starter for the first 10 games and the team’s second-most-used player, Johnson played 29:30 in Saturday’s 91-53 loss to No. 2 Auburn in Atlanta.

After Tuesday’s 95-73 win against the Beacons, Diebler made reference to Johnson in his opening statement.

“Thoughts and prayers are with Meechie as he’s dealing with some personal matters right now,” he said. “Don’t have a timetable on that yet, but obviously thinking about him as well.”

Following that 38-point loss to the Tigers, tied for Ohio State’s most lopsided loss in nearly 30 years, junior Evan Mahaffey and sophomore Devin Royal said Tuesday that the players had a postgame meeting where they collectively said what they felt they needed to say in order to try and turn the season around. When the Buckeyes resumed practice to prepare for Valparaiso, a game they won 95-73, Johnson was not with them.

“He and I have been having some dialogue the last couple days,” Diebler said. “He wasn’t able to practice the last couple days.”

It’s been a challenging return to Ohio State for Johnson, who was a second-team all-SEC pick at South Carolina last year while averaging 14.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.9 assists while helping the Gamecocks win their most games since 2016-17 (26) and return to the NCAA Tournament. While his 3-point shooting has gone up to a career-best 35.7%, his scoring is down (9.1 points per game), his turnover average is up, his free-throw rate is half what it was a year ago and his two-point shooting percentage is down from 47.1% a season ago to 35.3%.

Clearly, his homecoming hasn’t yet lived up to the hopes he laid out during the preseason, when he represented Ohio State as one of two players at Big Ten media day. Did any of that lead to Johnson’s leave of absence from the team due to what was described by an Ohio State team spokesman as a personal matter?

“I don’t think that’s something we can get into right now,” Diebler said. “That would be pure speculation at this point. One thing I know, I know how important family is to him. He’s really important to me, so we’re just supporting him through this.”

It was more candor Diebler was able to share compared to when Bradshaw’s absence was announced shortly before a Dec. 22 home game against Campbell, when he referred to the statement released by the university and said he was unable to provide further context.

Bradshaw watched his second consecutive game while wearing street clothes on the team bench. He has not played since logging 26:33 against Evansville on Nov. 19, moving him to 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds in 23.4 minutes per game through the first four games of the year.

Ohio State played five games with Bradshaw not participating in any team activities before Diebler said on his Dec. 11 radio show that he had been allowed to return to the team. That came with a return-to-play progression, Diebler said, and it’s also not clear when that will be complete.

Diebler said Tuesday that the 7-1, 215-pound center is allowed to play once he’s physically ready to play.

“He’s still got to build up to get there,” the coach said. “Wasn’t ready to go today. This is an ongoing evaluation really one day at a time.”

The Buckeyes are utilizing their sport science staff as well as the training and conditioning staff to try and get him back into action. Ohio State’s next game is Saturday against No. 5 Kentucky, Bradshaw’s former team, and it seems a stretch to think he could go more than a month without playing and then jump back in against a top-five team that he shares an emotional tie with.

“There’s a level he needs to play at and practice reps he’s got to get at to where he’s able to get out there and certainly play well for him but also for us,” Diebler said. “I just wish I could say it’s this-day thing. Our whole performance team, it’s all hands on deck. Believe me, it would help us if we had this exact timeline but it really is a day-to-day thing right now. He’s working to do it and we’re seeing progress, which is the encouraging part.”

When that will result in an on-court impact remains anyone’s guess.

ajardy@dispatch.com

@AdamJardy

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Ohio Valley hospitals mark Donate Life Month with flag raisings, awareness events

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4 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Press Room

Ohio Valley hospitals mark Donate Life Month with flag raisings, awareness events

BARNESVILLE, Ohio — Blue and green Donate Life flags are flying at several Ohio Valley hospitals this month as health care workers and supporters work to raise awareness about organ, eye and tissue donation.

WVU Medicine Barnesville Hospital hosted a flag-raising ceremony Thursday in honor of National Donate Life Month. The event aimed to raise awareness of organ, eye and tissue donation.

In addition to the ceremony, an educational table and a pinwheel garden will be on display at Barnesville Hospital throughout the month. The displays are intended to give visitors a chance to learn more about organ donation and to honor donor heroes.

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Ohio moves to undo Cincinnati’s conversion therapy ban | Opinion

Published

16 hours ago

April 10, 2026

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Ohio moves to undo Cincinnati’s conversion therapy ban | Opinion

A proposed Ohio law and U.S. Supreme Court decision could overturn Cincinnati’s ban on conversion therapy, raising concerns about the return of a discredited and harmful practice.

Ben Kelly
| Opinion contributor

Just over 10 years ago, Cincinnati City Council voted to ban conversion therapy in the city. For those who are unfamiliar, conversion therapy is a discredited practice aiming to “cure” patients of their homosexuality. This is at best useless pseudoscience and at worst a dangerous abuse of children.

It proved especially dangerous in 2014 when a transgender teenager in Cincinnati named Leelah Alcorn died by suicide, which she said was in part caused by the conversion therapy she was forced to endure. Conversion therapy is completely ineffective and has already killed at least one Cincinnatian. Unfortunately, many conservatives are arguing that the practice should be protected.

State Representatives Gary Click and Josh Williams have introduced a bill in the Ohio Statehouse that would ban cities from regulating conversion therapy, which would overturn Cincinnati’s ban and bring back this harmful practice. Even more broadly, the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in Chiles v. Salazar seems likely to ban states and cities from regulating conversion therapy.

Turning back the clock

To be clear, these bans leave religious expression untouched. People can still speak out against homosexuality or say whatever they want about LGBTQ rights. These bans target therapy, not religious practices. I believe there can be sensible regulations on therapy to ensure that providers are not doing anything harmful to their patients, in the same way that there are regulations on what medical services a doctor can provide.

The actions by the Ohio GOP and the Supreme Court show that some want to turn the clock back and take away any rights that LGBTQ people have fought for over the past few decades. Gay rights opponents will try to soften their language and say they are just focused on transgender surgeries for minors or fairness in sports, but promoting this practice shows their problem is with gay people in general.

No matter how much you repeat it, you can not “pray the gay away.” Trying to force gay people back into the closet only results in tragedy.

Ben Kelly lives in Over-the-Rhine. A graduate of Northern Kentucky University, he works in government and is active in Democratic politics. Kelly worked with the National Suicide Prevention Hotline from 2019-2022.

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Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Two Republicans running for Ohio treasurer in the May 5 primary

Ohio primary voters will send one of two Republican state treasurer candidates on to the 2026 general election.

Current Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague is term-limited and cannot seek reelection for the role. Former southeast Ohio state Rep. Jay Edwards and northeast Ohio state Sen. Kristina Roegner are both seeking the GOP nomination for the general election in November.

The winner of the May primary will face Cincinnati City Council Member Seth Walsh, who is running unopposed as the Democratic candidate.

Ohio’s primary election is May 5, with polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Voters also may cast their ballots early at the Franklin County Board of Elections, 1700 Morse Road.

The information below was supplied by candidates responding to a questionnaire. The Dispatch only edited responses for length or clarity.

Jay Edwards

Age: 36

Campaign Website: edwardsforohio.com

Background: Jay Edwards is a native of Nelsonville, Ohio, and a proud son of Appalachia. He earned a B.S. in mathematics from Ohio University, where he played football on scholarship. After college, he started a successful real estate company that he still manages today. At age 27, he flipped a longtime Democratic seat to become state representative for Ohio’s 94th District (2017–2024). He served as House Majority Whip and later chaired the House Finance Committee, where he helped pass a $3.2 billion tax cut and universal school choice. Term-limited in 2025, Edwards is now a Republican candidate for Ohio State Treasurer, committed to fiscal responsibility, opportunity, and supporting working families and businesses across the state.

Why are you the best candidate?: I combine proven fiscal leadership, hands-on experience managing state budgets, and a commitment to responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

A graduate of Ohio University with a B.S. in mathematics, I was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives at age 27 and served from 2017 to 2024. As House Finance Committee chair, I helped deliver a $3.2 billion tax cut for Ohio families and businesses, advanced universal school choice, and secured critical investments in infrastructure and economic development.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio treasurer, I will modernize the office and restore taxpayer trust through targeted initiatives.

First, I will upgrade the Treasurer’s office from its outdated 1970s-era ACH system to 21st-century technology. This will improve efficiency, security, and speed while making all state financial transactions more accessible.

I will enhance the Ohio Checkbook program to make it even simpler and more user-friendly, so every Ohioan can easily see exactly where their tax dollars are spent — bringing real transparency and accountability back to government.

To support public safety, I will launch a Link Deposit program that prioritizes state deposits with financial institutions committed to backing first responders. In our largest cities, where respect for police and law enforcement has eroded, this program will strengthen partnerships that keep our communities safe. If cities refuse to support the police and public safety, then it is time for the state to step up.

These practical steps — modernization, transparency, and support for those who protect us — will ensure Ohio’s finances work efficiently and earn the trust of every taxpayer.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: As Ohio treasurer, my decisions on investments, including Israel bonds, will be guided solely by what is best for Ohio taxpayers — prioritizing safety, liquidity, and return.

I am troubled that too many entities are divesting from Israel bonds for purely political reasons. These bonds have a strong track record of low risk, reliable repayments, and competitive returns that benefit Ohio’s portfolio.

Without access to the current detailed portfolio data, I cannot commit to specific adjustments today. However, any changes would be based strictly on financial merit, not politics.

I have long stood as an ally to the Jewish community. The recent dramatic rise in outright hatred toward Israel and Jewish people is sickening and must be rejected. Ohio should continue to make prudent investments that deliver strong value while upholding fiscal responsibility.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: As Ohio’s next treasurer, I believe AI should serve as a powerful efficiency tool — not a replacement for human oversight or taxpayer accountability. In the treasurer’s office, AI can analyze investment portfolios in real time to maximize returns on state funds, detect fraud in unclaimed property claims, streamline cash-flow forecasting, and automate routine back-office tasks. These applications will cut administrative costs, reduce waste, and deliver better results for Ohio taxpayers without growing government.

Every AI use must include strict human review, ironclad data security, and full transparency so citizens can see exactly how their money is being managed. We embrace innovation to strengthen fiscal responsibility — never to expand bureaucracy. Responsible AI will help us protect and grow Ohio’s financial resources while keeping decision-making firmly in accountable hands.

State Sen. Kristina Roegner

Age: 57

Campaign website: kristinaroegner.com

Background: I’ve built my professional career on financial oversight. After earning a Bachelors of Science in mechanical engineering from Tufts University and a MBA in finance from the Wharton School of Business, I worked for Westinghouse and subsequently McKinsey & Co, where financial discipline and results were paramount. Starting my service in elected office on Hudson City Council, I went on to serve eight years in the Ohio House and am currently completing my eighth year in the Ohio Senate. As the chair of the General Government Committee, I am steadfast and laser-focused on protecting taxpayers and ensuring responsible, conservative decision making.

Why are you the best candidate?: The treasurer is a role where background, expertise, and integrity matter. Having earned my MBA in finance combined with experience in management consulting, I am by far the most prepared candidate for this role. I served with integrity during my 15 years in the legislature, and earned a reputation for being above reproach. I am grateful to have the endorsement of every single member of leadership in the Ohio House and Ohio Senate as well as a supermajority of my Republican colleagues in both chambers. Notice: these leaders from across Ohio – who have worked alongside both me and my opponent – they know us both and endorse my candidacy.

I have been consistently loyal to our Republican principled conservative ideals. I have a reputation for working hard and getting things done. My legislative accomplishments can attest to that. I was always faithful and never censured; never associated with any corruption scandals.

I’m the best choice to be Ohio’s next treasurer because I bring the right mix of real-world experience, proven leadership and financial stewardship. I’m respected by my colleagues in Columbus and voters across Ohio. I am guided by faith and driven to serve.

What new initiatives would you bring to the treasurer’s office?: As treasurer, I will strengthen oversight and internal controls to ensure every dollar is tracked, protected, and used as intended. With cyber-attacks on the rise, I will prioritize best-in-class cybersecurity defenses for the treasurer’s office.

I will also proactively reunite Ohioans with their unclaimed funds by moving administration from the passive Department of Commerce to the Treasurer’s office. Legislation to achieve this (HB480) is already moving forward. Once in place, I will streamline the claims process and proactively match citizens with their money.

Ohioans deserve full transparency with their tax dollars. I proudly supported HB175 in 2013, which created www.ohiocheckbook.com. I will expand this to include municipalities and schools by supporting pending legislation (HB413) and implementing it as treasurer.

As chief investment officer, I will maximize conservative, safe returns to generate additional revenue to help minimize tax burdens on Ohioans.

What changes, if any, would you make to Ohio’s investment in Israel bonds?: The Israel bonds currently held by the Ohio Treasurer’s office are all investment grade, as is required. It is my understanding that they are one of the best returning investments in the portfolio and they have never defaulted on a payment. From a risk-return perspective these assets have performed very well. Every Ohio State Treasurer over the last 30 years – both Republican and Democrat – have invested in Israel bonds. Interestingly, these Israel bonds only mature to the “purchaser of record,” meaning Ohio must hold them to maturity. Going forward, I would consider differing maturities for Israel bonds; shorter maturities would provide Ohio more flexibility with liquidity.

What role should AI play in the treasurer’s office?: AI should be a tool to strengthen sound financial stewardship, but should not replace responsible human supervision of taxpayer dollars. In the treasurer’s office, AI can enhance fraud detection, improve reporting in Ohiocheckbook.com, and enhance cybersecurity by quickly spotting threats. Used responsibly, it can analyze investment data to support better decision-making within conservative guidelines. That being said, any use of AI must prioritize data security, transparency, and accountability, ensuring taxpayer information is protected and decisions remain in the hands of humans.

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