Penn State men’s basketball point guard Jay Rodgers was charged Thursday with a DUI after a near-collision in downtown State College on June 21.

The projected starting point guard for the Nittany Lions allegedly nearly crashed into a motorcycle, which swerved to avoid the collision, after Rodgers reportedly left a downtown dance club around 2 a.m.

Police said he had “a strong odor of alcoholic beverage,” and his eyes were “bloodshot, glossy, and sleepy in appearance,” per the Centre Daily Times

Rodgers declined to take a preliminary breath test and to have his blood drawn, citing instructions “from his parents and coaches ‘to always refuse testing.'”

The Penn State Athletic Department said the coaches do not convey that message to athletes.

“We are aware of the charges against Jay Rodgers,” a spokesperson wrote to the CDT, per the Centre Daily Times. “These alleged actions do not reflect the values and standards of our program and will be addressed pursuant to applicable Penn State policies and procedures. Jay remains a member of the men’s basketball program.”

Rodgers initially refused to exit his vehicle, and police said he admitted to drinking alcohol before entering downtown, according to the affidavit.

Rodgers is facing a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substance, a misdemeanor charge of obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, and a summary offense for turning movements and required signals

His preliminary hearing is to be held at 8:30 a.m on September 9, around two months before the season starts.

The redshirt senior from Central Connecticut State is projected to be the starting point guard for the Nittany Lions this season. Before his four-year career with the Blue Devils, Rodgers began his Career at New Orleans and later transferred to JUCO outlet Cochise College.

Rodgers then played at Central Connecticut State, where he averaged 9.5 points per game and shot 40.4% from the field. He also holds the program’s single-season assists record in the 2025-26 season.

He has one more year of eligibility remaining.