NEED TO KNOW
- Six Central Methodist University football players were suspended after a teammate was injured during an alleged assault
- Two players face third-degree assault charges following the Oct. 9 incident at the school
- The school, located in Fayette, said the alleged fighting was part of an “informal ‘accountability’ arrangement,” not an official team policy
At least six college football players have been suspended, and two face charges, after they allegedly assaulted a teammate.
Central Methodist University, located in Fayette, Mo., said in a news release that a “student-athlete was injured” and sent to an urgent care facility for treatment after an alleged altercation on Friday, Oct. 9.
“The safety and well-being of this student is our highest priority,” the university said. “This behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with our United Methodist heritage and a campus culture grounded in respect and care for others.”
“Identified participants in the incident have been suspended from the football program indefinitely,” Central Methodist University added.
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The school told local outlet KOMU on Wednesday, Oct. 14, that six football players have been suspended amid the university’s ongoing investigation into the incident.
Two of the players, Kamarrion Ferguson and Michael Hourel Jr., were charged with third-degree assault on Monday, Oct. 12, according to court documents obtained by the outlet.
It is not clear if Ferguson, 20, or Hourel Jr., 22, have legal representation to comment on their behalf.
According to KOMU, which cited a probable cause statement from police, the victim told an officer that “there was a rule in place that when a football player is late for practice, you have to fight someone for repercussions of being late.”
Hourel, who identified himself to officers as the team captain, said the football players had not been held accountable for arriving late to practice, which prompted them to instate a rule requiring players to fight, according to court documents, KOMU reported.
When the victim arrived late for practice, the outlet reported he chose a teammate to fight, but Hourel stepped in to make sure that he learned his lesson. He allegedly punched the victim in the face as other players jumped in, per KOMU.
Central Methodist University said in its statement, “This was an informal ‘accountability’ arrangement among a small group of players, rather than an official team rule.”
The school explained that its investigation would “establish how it originated and who knew about it.”
“We are taking this matter seriously and will limit further comment while the facts are being established,” the university added.
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After the victim went to urgent care, he was referred to a concussion specialist due to the possibility of a brain bleed, KOMU reported, citing court records.
The Fayette Police Department (FPD) and Central Methodist University did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on Saturday, Oct. 17.
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