Ra’Shaad Samples, an assistant coach for the University of Oregon Ducks, was charged in April 2024 with driving under the influence and reckless driving after his 2026 Ford F‑150 backed into a parked Dodge Ram.
The vehicle belonged to Eugene resident Steven James Young, who was inside the car with passengers, including minors, when the impact occurred.
During the exchange, Samples misidentified himself as former Philadelphia Eagles star DeSean Jackson and initially refused to provide insurance information, a claim that was later contradicted by dash‑cam video.
The footage, which captured the crash and Samples’ departure, was later shown to Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, alerting the coaching staff to the incident.
Cover‑Up Attempt and Legal Fallout
After the video surfaced, Samples attempted to resolve the matter by offering Young $2,500 and tickets to a Ducks game, while also sending a screenshot of an unrelated insurance claim under the name ‘Deshaun Jackson’ that Young confirmed was inaccurate.
Young reported the incident to authorities, and Samples now faces a court appearance scheduled for August 25, 2024. The University of Oregon athletic department issued a statement saying it has taken appropriate internal action.
The episode underscores the pressures faced by college staff and the importance of transparency when legal matters intersect with campus athletics.