Nebraska player booted after hitting teammate with bottle at party
Confirming a rumor that had been simmering all week, Nebraska head coach Bo Pelini has dismissed two underclassmen from the Huskers defense, with one player getting the axe after breaking a bottle over an older teammate's head.
Nebraska freshman defensive end Ernest Suttles has been kicked off the team after being ticketed for misdemeanor assault for allegedly striking linebacker David Santos in the head with a bottle at a party last week.
Coach Bo Pelini announced the dismissals of Suttles and linebacker Thomas Brown on Thursday night. Pelini did not give a reason in a statement released by the athletic department. Lincoln Police Capt. Danny Reitan said there was no record of Brown being connected to the alleged assault.
The first whispers of the fight were originally reported by HuskerCorner.com. The incident allegedly occurred last Friday night during a party for Santos’ 21st birthday. Suttles started a fight with another Husker and Santos stepped in to kick him out, which is when he was struck with the bottle. Other players, including defensive back Jonathan Rose, were also said to be in attendance per the HuskerCorner.com report. Some reports have placed Brown in the fight as well, but as mentioned above, Lincoln Police said there was no record of his involvement.
Suttles, who only reported to Lincoln a few weeks ago, was a three-star recruit out of Florida with offers from West Virginia, Tennessee, South Florida, Iowa State and Missouri. Pelini had said in February that the defensive lineman had the potential to contribute this fall. Brown redshirted last season and was expected to be a key part of the Cornhuskers linebacker rotation.
Santos, who reportedly required stitches after the altercation, is the likely starter at middle linebacker.
Here is the full release from Nebraska:
“We are aware of an incident involving student-athletes which occurred off campus over the weekend. We are working with the University’s Dean of Students in gathering further details. We will continue to review the incident. Further, Head Football Coach Bo Pelini has announced that Ernest Suttles and Thomas Brown are no longer members of the football program.”
Pro tip to incoming freshmen looking to ingratiate themselves with their new teammates: Don't hit your starting linebacker in the head with a bottle.
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