Missouri WR Green-Beckham kicked off team

Columbia, MO (SportsNetwork.com) - Missouri has dismissed wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham from the team, the school announced Friday.

The announcement came one day after the Columbia Police Department said it would not arrest Green-Beckham following a burglary investigation over an incident that occurred last week.

The school said the decision to part ways with Green-Beckham, one of the nation's top returning receivers, was made by Tigers coach Gary Pinkel in conjunction with Missouri athletic director Mike Alden.

Green-Beckham had been suspended indefinitely from the team on Monday for what the school said was a violation of team policies.

"This decision was made with the best interests of all involved in mind," Pinkel said in a statement. "Dorial's priority going forward needs to be focusing on getting the help he needs. As we have all along, we will continue to do everything we can to assist Dorial and his family.

"We care deeply about Dorial and his well-being, but hopefully he can benefit from a fresh start."

Alden said Green-Beckham's dismissal was "a necessary step for our football team, athletic department, the university and our community."

"We have a high standard of conduct for our student-athletes," Alden said in a statement. "Though we provide the resources and mentoring to all of our student-athletes, we are also responsible to the community at large and to the ideals and values of the University of Missouri."

In a statement Green-Beckham's father, John, read over the phone to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the wide receiver said he was entering counseling and that he has been "young and dumb."

Police say Green-Beckham was looking for his girlfriend early Sunday morning when he forced his way into an apartment and pushed a woman down at least four stairs.

Two women in the apartment, including the one pushed down the stairs, later told police they didn't want to press charges against Green-Beckham and a warrant his arrest was withdrawn.

The police report includes text messages exchanged between one of the women and Green-Beckham's girlfriend, who pleads with the woman not to press charges in the case.

In one text Green-Beckham's girlfriend says he dragged her by her neck, though she later told a domestic violence investigator that she had been drinking and didn't remember sending that.

Another text indicates there was pressure from the football department to have the witnesses decline to press charges.

"He will be kicked out of Mizzou and (then) not qualify for the draft next year," the text from Green-Beckham's girlfriend reads. "The coaches talked to me and explained how serious this is and there's no time to waste at this point."

Green-Beckham's girlfriend admitted sending the text but denied anyone from the football program had contacted her. She said coaches talked to Green- Beckham and he relayed the message to her.

Another witness said football teammates who were outside the apartment at the time of the incident urged people not to call the police.

In his statement to the Post-Dispatch, Green-Beckham said, "First and most importantly, I take responsibility for my conduct and my mistakes.

"Don't blame my girlfriend or her friends for anything," he said. "I am not looking for sympathy. I thank those who have given me concern.

"I have been young and dumb. I want to be better. During my suspension I'm entering counseling. With help, I know I can be stronger emotionally and spiritually. My relationship with God, my family, friends, teammates and coaches are most important in my life, not football.

"It may not be possible to fix everything, but it won't be for not trying."

Green-Beckham was arrested twice on charges related to marijuana possession during his time at Missouri, including this past January, when he was riding in a car found to be holding a large quantity of the drug.

He led the Tigers with 59 catches and 12 touchdown receptions this past season and gained 883 yards through the air. Green-Beckham would have to sit out a year if he transfers to another FBS school. He could play next season if he dropped a level and transferred to an FCS program.