TUCSON, Ariz. – Four University of Arizona football players were arrested after a fight at the off-campus home of fellow students, with one accused of punching women during the brawl.
According to the school's student newspaper the Daily Wildcat, which cited police reports, the four sophomore players arrested early Friday were cornerback Jourdon Grandon, offensive tackle Fabbians Ebbele, offensive lineman Eric Bender and safety Jared Tevis.
Grandon, Ebbele and Bender were charged with criminal trespassing in the first degree and assault, while Tevis faces a trespassing charge.
The students at the house reportedly told police they invited Tevis to the party, but he showed up with other members of the team. When the players were asked to leave, one allegedly shoved a woman, triggering the fight.
Former Arizona safety Joshua Robbins is accused of punching the woman in the face after she slapped him.
According to the police reports, the players then left and returned "in a group of between 10 and 30," starting an even bigger melee. Grandon allegedly "punched a female guest in her face with a closed fist and began punching other females in the face."
Ebbele is accused of punching males at the house. The players, who fled in a Lincoln Navigator, were pulled over by police after officers saw the vehicle leaving the scene with people chasing after it.
The players denied any involvement in the fight, arguing they left when an altercation started.
Robbins was reportedly taken into custody on suspicion of DUI and was later cited and released. It is unclear whether Robbins was charged over the fight.
The report of the arrests comes after the Wildcats kicked off spring practice Monday under new coach Rich Rodriguez.
"We are taking this matter seriously. We are cooperating fully with the Tucson Police Department, and disciplinary action will be handled accordingly. Due to federal student-privacy laws we will have no further comment," Arizona athletic director Greg Byrne said in a statement.
Ebbele and Grandon were expected to be starters for the Wildcats next season. Robbins' college career ended due to a back injury that sidelined him last season.
