Texas Tech incoming freshman allegedly punches women's basketball player in face
Nigel Bethel II, an incoming freshman DB at Texas Tech, allegedly punched Texas Tech women's basketball player Amber Battle and has been dismissed from the program.
According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal in an article posted Saturday night, the incident happened Saturday during a pickup basketball game. Battle is expected to have surgery for facial injuries after a bone was broken in the incident.
Blayne Beal, a Tech spokesman, confirmed there was an incident between two student athletes Saturday afternoon at the recreation center. Beal said campus officials are gathering information from both parties.
Tech women’s basketball coach Candi Whitaker said she was unable to comment Saturday evening.
Following the incident, Battle posted to Twitter, “Pray for me y’all.” She later posted, “Thank y’all for the calls, texts and visits.”
Another Tech spokesperson said a police report wouldn't likely be complete before Monday. However, the school released a statement Sunday morning that said Bethel had been dismissed from the team.
Bethel, who is from Miami, was one of Texas Tech's prized incoming recruits. A four-star prospect according to Rivals, the 5-8 DB was the No. 24 rated defensive back in the class of 2014. He's the only four-star prospect in Tech's 2014 class, which was rated No. 43 by Rivals.
He had previously committed to go to Miami before he swiched his commitment to Texas Tech in January.
Battle, a 5-9 guard, was Tech's leading scorer and rebounder last season, averaging 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
