UC star RB still active, one suspended after incident
One University of Cincinnati football player has been suspended for at least four games and three others have been disciplined by coach Tommy Tuberville after a weekend incident near campus.
One UC player was arrested, a second was cited and two others were found with outstanding warrants when police responded to a party where gunshots were fired.
Cincinnati police responded to a report of shots fired in the 100 block of Lyon Street in University Heights after a party at 2:36 a.m. Sunday, a police report shows.
No one was hurt, and none of the students detained were accused of being involved with gunplay.
But freshman cornerback Alex Thomas, 18, was arrested after police say he ran when officers arrived, despite their commands to stop.
Hosey Williams, 23, a senior who is the team's No. 1 starting running back, was cited for disorderly conduct while intoxicated.
Cincinnati police also determined two other football players, junior Leviticus Payne, 20, and sophomore Ey'Shawn McClain, 21, had outstanding warrants for minor drug crimes. Payne is a starter at defensive back. McClain is a backup linebacker. All are at UC on scholarships.
Tuberville announced Thursday that Thomas has been suspended, but that the other three players remain on the active roster. UC will play its Homecoming game against Miami University on Saturday at Paul Brown Stadium.
"Over the weekend, four members of the University of Cincinnati football program were involved in an unfortunate incident that resulted in one arrest and three citations. We have higher expectations of everyone within our football program and there will be consequences for those actions," Tuberville said in a statement.
"Alex Thomas was arrested by the Cincinnati Police Department and charged with obstruction after running from the scene. In accordance with my team rules, he will not be eligible to participate in a game until his legal matter is completely resolved. He has a preliminary court date on Oct. 14 so he will miss at least four games and possibly more.
"Three other players, Ey'Shawn McClain, Leviticus Payne and Hosey Williams, were cited for minor misdemeanors and they have been disciplined for their involvement in the incident. They remain on our active roster.
"This kind of behavior is not acceptable and not indicative of the UC football program. Moving forward, we will continue to educate our players on making good decisions and being great representatives of the University."
Tuberville was not specific as to whether the "active" players will play in the Miami game.
Thomas was apprehended a block away after a foot chase, police wrote in the arrest report.
He was booked into the Hamilton County jail at 3:52 a.m. Sunday and released by 6:36 a.m. after posting $250 bond.
His attorney, who has not responded to requests for comment, filed a written plea of not guilty.
A pre-trial hearing will be held Oct. 14 before Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge Dwane Mallory.
Williams was not physically arrested. He was cited to appear in court Sept. 25.
His ticket indicates he refused to tell police where he attends school.
Williams - a 5-foot-9, 199 pound senior - led the team with 655 yards rushing last year.
This year, he led UC with 103 yards rushing in the Bearcats' season-opening 58-34 win over Toledo last Friday Sept. 12 at Paul Brown Stadium.
Cincinnati police also determined McClain and Payne had outstanding capiases for failing to either appear in court or pay $130 fines after UC police cited them Feb. 8 with misdemeanor drug (marijuana) possession.
Those two now have new court dates Sept. 26.
Cincinnati police have completed their investigation into the incident, said agency Tiffaney Hardy, adding that the case "is now a matter of the judicial system and the University of Cincinnati."
Reporter Keith BieryGolick contributed
