Hokies RB Shai McKenzie suspended indefinitely after arrest
Virginia Tech running back Shai McKenzie has been suspended indefinitely after being arrested and charged with two counts of “contributing to the delinquency of a minor,” according to the Roanoke Times.
The charges are class one misdemeanors and have the potential for 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500.
Hokies head coach Frank Beamer is aware of the situation and athletic director Whit Babcock issued a statement on the program’s behalf.
“We are aware of the situation and misdemeanor arrest. We take these matters seriously,” Babcock told the Times in an email. “Coach Beamer has suspended Shai indefinitely from all team related activities as of yesterday. It’s in the hands of the proper authorities and we will respect the process.”
According to the Times, warrants were filed in Montgomery County (Va.) Court detailing an investigation into the 19-year-old McKenzie and Devin A. Gavion, an 18-year-old Virginia Tech student, for “carnal knowledge of a child between the ages of 13 and 15.”
McKenzie and Gavion reportedly met two girls, one age 15 and another age 14, on social media.
From the Times:
Police obtained a warrant for McKenzie and Gavion's DNA on Feb. 27 after two girls, one 15 years old and another 14, met two adult males using social media, who they later identified as McKenzie and Gavion. The warrant states that an investigation included information that the group met at a home in Christiansburg "and it was revealed" they "had sexual intercourse" between Feb. 11 and Feb. 15. Four condoms were also recovered from the residence, according to the warrant.
McKenzie was processed and released on $5,000 bond, accoding to the Christiansburg Police Department. Gavion, who is being held at the Western Virginia Regional Jail, is facing a felony count of carnal knowledge and a misdemeanor count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
McKenzie was a true freshman in 2014 who quickly established himself as one of the team’s top backs. Before suffering a season-ending knee injury in late September, McKenzie rushed for 269 yards and three touchdowns on 53 carries in five games for the Hokies.
According to the Times, McKenzie has been participating in the team’s winter workouts, including on Tuesday.
The Hokies are scheduled to begin spring practice on March 24.
For more Virginia Tech news, visit HokieHaven.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
