Alcon State players arrested

Published 12:00 am Friday, April 21, 2017

Eleven Alcorn State University football players were arrested Wednesday after authorities say a fight broke out on the school’s campus.

Alcorn State Sports Information Director Robbie Kleinmuntz said seven more ASU students were arrested Thursday but whether or not they are football players is unknown. Kleinmuntz also said there are still three additional warrants remaining involving the altercation.

Kleinmuntz confirmed the 11 known arrests were sophomore defensive backs Lei’shaun Ealey, Deago Sama and Quintin Smith, freshman defensive backs Taurence Wilson and Javen Morrison, junior defensive backs Daniel Franklin and Jalen Thomas, sophomore linebackers Terry Whittington and Trae Ferrell, freshman defensive lineman Kwanzi Jackson and junior defensive end Michael Brooks.

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Also, Braves freshman Cleveland Ford III said via Twitter Thursday that he will no longer attend Alcorn State.

“Due to the recent events, I would like to announce that I will be transferring after this semester,” he said in his social media post.

News outlets reported Claiborne County Sheriff Frank Davis said charges have been filed against each of the players by other students.

Davis said the charges against the players are all misdemeanors and range from malicious mischief to simple assault.

Kleinmuntz said there are no plans for an official statement to be released by ASU’s athletic department at this time.

“We are waiting to see what happens with the legal process,” he said. “There is a lot going on, and we are waiting for it to clear so we can sort it out.”

Kleinmuntz also said although the university has taken no official action, he anticipates the arrested players to sit out Alcorn’s spring game, which is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday. He also said he is unsure of any official suspensions to be made for the start of the fall season.

The fight started April 10 in the school’s cafeteria. Officials say the event was captured on several cellphone cameras and widely circulated last week.

It’s not clear if any of the accused has an attorney.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.