Davonte’ Neal, an assistant coach on the Idaho State football team, has been charged with first-degree murder.
The Idaho State Journal reports that Neal was arrested on May 25 in connection with a murder that occurred in Arizona in 2017.
The university told the outlet that Neal has been placed on administrative leave, and that the football team plans to terminate his contract.
“I have been in constant contact with (ISU head coach Charlie Ragle) who has known Davonte’ for many years and never had any knowledge or suspicion of a possible crime of any kind,” ISU athletic director Pauline Thiros told the Journal.
“The news of Davonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock. Going forward, we will cooperate in every way possible, safeguard our program and culture, support each other and our students, and allow the legal process to work. The news is devastating and we hope for resolution for all involved.”
ISU president Kevin Satterlee added that “Idaho State takes all allegations involving our employees very seriously, and we are committed to the safety and well-being of our community. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement on their investigation.”
Pete Golding, Alabama defensive coordinator, arrested for DUI
Alabama defensive coordinator Pete Golding was arrested early Thursday morning for DUI, according to Tuscaloosa County jail records. The report states Stephen Thomas Golding was arrested by the Northport Police Department around 1 a.m. and jailed overnight with a bond set at $500.
“I am deeply sorry for the actions that led to my arrest last night. I sincerely apologize to my family, everyone in our organization, including our players, Coach Saban, the staff, The University of Alabama, and our fans,” wrote Golding in an apology released by the university. “Regardless of the outcome of this pending investigation, I did not uphold the values I have for myself and the values of the Alabama football program. I am committed to learning and growing from this mistake and I will work to earn back the trust of those who I have disappointed.”
Golding, who is 37 and goes by Pete, was hired by Alabama in 2018 to be the team’s inside linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator along with Tosh Lupoi, but he was elevated to the sole DC position following Lupoi’s departure in 2019. Alabama has finished in the top three in the SEC in total defense in three of Golding’s four seasons in Tuscaloosa. The 2021 Crimson Tide defense finished second in the SEC, allowing just 304.1 yards per game, and third in defensive yards per play at 4.77.
“Alabama Athletics is aware of the incident involving Pete Golding,” said a school statement. “We are mindful of the seriousness of the situation and will continue to gather more information to address this personnel matter.”
Jovon Bouknight, Kentucky assistant coach, arrested on DUI charge
Jovon Bouknight, Kentucky wide receivers coach, was arrested Saturday morning in northern Kentucky and charged with driving under the influence.
According to multiple reports, Bouknight was arrested at 3:56 a.m. by the Erlanger Police Department.
The Courier-Journal of Louisville reported that Bouknight was also charged with possession of an open alcoholic beverage and for driving 26 mph or more over the speed limit, citing Kenton County public records.
Bouknight has a court appearance scheduled for Friday.
The 37-year-old Bouknight is entering his second season at Kentucky after previous coaching stops at Utah State, Texas Tech and Oregon.
Bouknight was a college star at Wyoming and caught 250 passes for 3,626 yards and 29 touchdowns in 47 games from 2002-05. The catches rank second in school history and the yardage and touchdown catches are third.
He topped 1,000 receiving yards twice and had his best campaign as a senior when he had 77 receptions for 1,116 yards and 12 scores.
Source: Kentucky assistant Jovon Bouknight arrested on DUI charge – National Football Post
Phillip Fulmer announces positive COVID-19 test result
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL) – University of Tennessee Athletic Director Phillip Fulmer has announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. Fulmer said in the tweet that he immediately…
Source: Phillip Fulmer announces positive COVID-19 test result
Tate Wallis, North Texas, QB coach arrested (Ineligible)
North Texas quarterbacks coach Tate Wallis was arrested and charged with two counts of misconduct in Denton County on Thursday. The university has placed him on administrative leave.
Wallis was charged with two counts of improper relationship between an educator and student, a felony charge in Texas. He posted a bond of $20,000 and was released the same day.
The alleged incidents took place during Fall 2019, when Wallis served as offensive coordinator at nearby Argyle. Wallis was hired at North Texas a month after the second alleged incident.
“We have been made aware of charges brought against a member of our football coaching staff for a matter unrelated to his employment with the university,” North Texas said in a statement. “The employee has been placed on administrative leave and will not be allowed on campus or to participate in any job related duties while on leave. We have initiated a review of the available information and we will take appropriate action following completion of the review.”
Previously, Wallis coached at North Forney for two years. Notably, Wallis served as wide receivers coach on Art Briles’ staff at Baylor before Briles was fired in 2016. He spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons at North Forney before serving as coordinator at Argyle from 2018-19.
North Texas faces off against Houston Baptist on Saturday in the season opener. The Mean Green have yet to name a starting quarterback. Seth Littrell will take over playcalling duties for the first time as a head coach.
Brad Laird, NSU coach, accused of driving while intoxicated
Northwestern State University head football coach Brad Laird has been placed on administrative leave without pay after being arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated Saturday night.
Northwestern State Director of Athletics Greg Burke said:
“Brad Laird informed me on February 16 that he had been charged with a DWI the previous evening. The university takes misconduct by any employee seriously and especially one with the level of responsibility of a head coach. The university immediately investigated and confirmed this incident. I met with Coach Laird on the morning of February 17 and informed him that he would be suspended for one week without pay. He was also issued a letter of reprimand informing him of consequences that could result from any future misconduct that would violate the conditions of his contract with the university. The letter also outlined additional measures to address this incident. Having known Coach Laird for many years, I respect and was not surprised that he expressed regret about his lack of judgment in this incident and stated that it is his desire to learn from this matter and move forward as a better leader for the young men in the NSU football program.”
Source: NSU coach Laird placed on administrative leave, accused of driving while intoxicated
Josh Chapman, Alabama football coach arrested for DUI
Josh Chapman, an Alabama football staffer landed in jail Saturday morning after his second DUI in two and a half years.
Josh Chapman was booked into Tuscaloosa County Jail after being arrested by Tuscaloosa police. A defensive lineman from Hoover who played with the Crimson Tide from 2007-11, Chapman has been an assistant strength and conditioning coach with the program since 2016.
Chapman was held in jail on a $1,000 bond after Saturday’s arrest. Further details weren’t immediately available.
The fifth-round draft pick of the Indianapolis Colts in 2012 was also arrested for DUI in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 29, 2017.
Otis Yelverton, Gators staffer arrested after threatening to blow up his ex’s car
Otis Yelverton, a Florida football support staff member was arrested Monday morning and is facing a third-degree felony. Alachua County Court records shows that Otis Yelverton is facing an aggravated stalking charge. The Florida football assistant director of player personnel was arrested by police after he was thought to be a threat.Yelverton has been placed on leave by Florida following the charges.According to the ACSO police report, Yelverton has “repeatedly and maliciously” harassed the victim
Source: GatorsTerritory.com – Gators staffer arrested after threatening to blow up his ex’s car
Louisville football assistant coach Chris Klenakis arrested on DUI charges
University of Louisville football assistant coach Chris Klenakis has been placed on leave after being arrested Sunday morning on DUI charges.
Source: Louisville football assistant coach Klenakis arrested on DUI charges
Zach Smith Arrested For Criminal Trespassing, Appears in Court
Ohio State wide receivers coach Zach Smith appeared in court Wednesday afternoon after being charged with criminal trespassing, stemming from an incident in mid-May, according to a Delaware Municipal Court record.
According to an arrest record obtained by Eleven Warriors, police were dispatched to the home of Courtney Carano Smith, Zach Smith’s ex-wife, around 8 p.m. on May 12. The report indicates that there was no forced entry and no suspected use of alcohol or drugs. Smith was charged with criminal trespassing, and has since pleaded not guilty.
According to the criminal complaint also obtained by Eleven Warriors, “Mr. Smith took his son to his ex-wife’s residence (redacted) to drop him off after being instructed by Ms. Smith not to come to her residence and disregarding a previous criminal trespass warning that had been given to him by Detective Pentz on Dec. 19, 2017 at 2 p.m. The incident was witnessed by Ms. Smith and their son along with photographs of Mr. Smith’s vehicle being present in her driveway. Mr. Smith also admitted to Sgt. Roach that he was present on Ms. Smith’s property and acknowledged receipt of the trespass warning given to him by Detective Pentz.”
Per the criminal complaint, criminal trespassing is a fourth-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or a $250 fine.
Ohio State has not commented on the situation.
Source: Zach Smith Arrested For Criminal Trespassing, Appears in Court