Penn State Player Pleaded Not Guilty to DUI Charges
Ben Whitver entered a not guilty plea and requested a jury trial for alleged traffic violations.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Financial Crime
Penn State football player Ben Whitver has entered a plea of not guilty regarding DUI charges stemming from an incident on July 11. The 19-year-old athlete has formally requested a jury trial to contest the accusations.
Why it matters
The legal proceedings follow allegations that Whitver operated a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and Delta-9 THC. The case involves complex charges, including a reported wrong-way driving violation on E. Calder Way.
Court documents dated October 14, 2026, confirm that the defendant entered a plea of not guilty. The investigation involves charges for driving under the influence of both ethyl alcohol and Delta-9 THC.
The players
Ben Whitver
He is a 19-year-old Penn State football player who was not an active participant on the team during the current season.
State College Police
This is the local law enforcement agency responsible for conducting the traffic stop and filing the criminal charges.
The details
State College Police initiated the stop after observing the suspect driving the wrong way on E. Calder Way. Following a field sobriety test, a blood sample was obtained at Mount Nittany Medical Center that confirmed the presence of substances.
Timeline
The incident occurred on July 11.
The Penn State football program issued a public statement in August.
Court documents indicating the intent to plead not guilty were filed on October 14, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern of disciplinary review established by the university's student-athlete code of conduct policies. Local authorities continue to manage the legal process for incidents involving traffic safety and substance use within the municipality.
The incident highlights ongoing enforcement efforts regarding traffic safety on E. Calder Way. Residents should be aware that local police continue to prioritize road safety measures and investigate reports of impaired driving.
The takeaway
Drivers should remain mindful of traffic regulations in the city to prevent serious accidents. Following the rules of the road is essential for maintaining community safety for all students and residents.
Further reading
For more on local legal developments, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Onward State.
