Six Missouri college football players have been suspended, and two of them have been arrested, for allegedly assaulting teammates.
Six players at Central Methodist University, an NAIA school in Fayette, have been suspended indefinitely for allegedly assaulting teammates.
Kamarrion Ferguson, 20, and Michael Hourel Jr., 22, were charged with third-degree assault, according to court documents obtained by KOMU-TV near Columbia.
The station also cited a probable cause statement it obtained, saying the victim told Fayette police he was beaten because “there’s a rule that when a football player is late for practice, you have to fight with someone to cover the consequences of being late.”
Court documents also show the victim was taken to an urgent care facility and referred to a concussion specialist “due to possible brain hemorrhage.”
The other four suspended players were not disclosed by police or the school, but Central Methodist University issued a statement saying it was investigating the alleged “fighting rule.”
“The safety and well-being of this student is our top priority,” the statement read. “This behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with our United Methodist tradition and a campus culture based on respect and concern for others.”
“From what we know so far, this was an informal ‘accountability’ arrangement between a small group of players rather than a formal team rule. The investigation will determine how it originated and who knew about it.”
Urell is a senior linebacker and one of the team’s designated captains. He told police that the “fight rule” was initiated at a team meeting “to address a lack of accountability for being late to practice,” according to a probable cause statement obtained by KOMU.
He also reportedly told police the victim was late for practice on Oct. 9.
Hurrell allegedly hit the victim in the face, and after the victim tried to fight back, other players joined in the attack.