By Ashley Robinson University of Oregon assistant football coach Ra’Shaad Samples is facing misdemeanor charges after an April 12, 2026, traffic incident in downtown Eugene. The case drew national attention months later when dashcam footage appeared and reports said Samples identified himself as former NFL receiver DeSean Jackson.
The collision happened shortly before 2 a.m. near Willamette Street and West Broadway. Police information cited by local news outlets said a 2026 Ford F-150 driven by Samples backed into a parked Dodge Ram owned by Eugene resident Steven James Young. Damage was reported to both vehicles.
The dashcam footage and pursuit
Young’s dashcam reportedly recorded the impact. After Samples drove away from the parking area, Young followed him and called out that his truck had been hit. Video published through news reports appeared to show the Ford traveling between lanes and passing through a red light before stopping.
Samples later said he did not realize he had backed into another vehicle until he pulled away. Young gave a different account and said the impact was strong enough to shake his truck. Some of Young’s passengers were minors, according to reports. Young and another passenger later claimed injuries and retained lawyers, although an initial crash report reportedly listed no apparent injuries.
Why DeSean Jackson’s name became part of the story
The most unusual part of the incident involved Samples’ alleged use of DeSean Jackson’s name. Jackson is a former NFL wide receiver who starred for the Philadelphia Eagles and other teams. He is not accused of involvement in the collision.
Samples told The Oregonian/OregonLive that he first gave Young his driver’s license and insurance information, which contained his real name. Samples said Young continued asking who he was, causing him to respond “DeSean Jackson” in a cheeky or joking manner. Samples described Jackson as his favorite football player.
Young disputed that explanation. He said Samples initially identified himself as “Deshaun Jackson” and later sent insurance information connected to a different vehicle. Young said he learned Samples’ real identity from a Eugene police officer. The conflicting accounts may become important if the case proceeds to a contested hearing or trial.
Alleged offers to resolve the matter privately
Young also alleged that Samples offered him $1,000 at the scene to settle the matter without further action. Reports said later text messages included offers of as much as $2,500 and football tickets in exchange for not reporting the incident.
Samples has not been convicted of wrongdoing based on those claims. An offer to pay for vehicle damage is not automatically proof of a crime. Its meaning depends on the words used, the circumstances, and whether it was presented as ordinary compensation or an effort to prevent a police report. Young declined the alleged offers and later provided the video to Oregon head coach Dan Lanning.
DUII and reckless-driving charges
Samples was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, commonly called DUII in Oregon, and reckless driving. Both charges are misdemeanors. Reports said the responding officer believed Samples appeared impaired, but no field sobriety test was conducted at the scene.
The absence of a field test does not automatically dismiss a DUII case. Prosecutors may rely on officer observations, driving behavior, video, statements, and other evidence. The defense may challenge whether that evidence proves impairment beyond a reasonable doubt.
Samples appeared in Eugene Municipal Court on July 20. His next reported court date is August 25, 2026. Until a plea or verdict is entered, he is presumed innocent.
University of Oregon’s response
Oregon athletics acknowledged the matter but did not publicly describe any discipline. The department said it takes such issues seriously and had taken “appropriate action.” Samples remained listed as the Ducks’ assistant head coach and running backs coach when the story received wider attention in August.
Samples joined Oregon in 2024 after coaching at Arizona State and working with the Los Angeles Rams. Because college coaches supervise young athletes and represent their universities publicly, the case has raised questions that go beyond the traffic charges. Even so, employment decisions and criminal responsibility are separate matters.
What remains unresolved
The dashcam video made the incident highly visible, but it does not settle every disputed fact. Samples and Young disagree about when accurate identification and insurance information were provided, why DeSean Jackson’s name was used, and what happened after the collision.
The August 25 court proceeding may clarify whether Samples intends to contest the charges or seek another resolution. Any injury or property-damage claims could also be handled separately from the criminal case. DeSean Jackson remains only the person whose name was invoked and has no reported connection to the crash. This article provides general information and is not legal advice.