Division II Cal U. Cancels Game After Players Arrested

((ht: deadspin.com/kdka))

California University, a Division II College Football team near Pittsburgh, PA cancelled their game this Saturday vs. Gannon University after 5 Cal players were arrested and charged after attacking a man at a bar.

Witnesses told TV station KDKA and police the players jumped the victim outside Spuds restaurant. They then allegedly beat the man so severely he's in a Pittsburgh, PA area hospital in Intensive Care with a severe brain injury.

All 5 players: Jonathan Barlow, D'Andre Dunkley, Corey Ford, Rodney Gillin and James Williamson were immediately suspended from the team and as of this posting (Fri morning) were in the Washington County (PA) jail with $500,000 bonds.

The school immediately moved to cancel the game and per KDKA TV in Pittsburgh, school president Geraldine Jones issues a statement about the decision:

“California University does not tolerate violent behavior, and the five student-athletes charged in connection with this incident will face University sanctions, along with any penalties imposed by law.
“The police investigation is continuing, and the rights of these accused students will be upheld. But in light of these allegations, I asked Coach Kellar to cancel Saturday’s game. Behavior has consequences, and all Cal U students, including student-athletes, must abide by our Student Code of Conduct if they wish to remain a part of our campus community.
“At the same time, it must be clearly understood that the actions of a small group of individuals are not representative of our entire student body, nor of all Cal U student-athletes. I ask our entire campus community to recommit to our University’s core values, and to demonstrate through their words and their actions the best that our University can be.
“Our hearts and our prayers go out to the victim, his family and his friends. All else pales in comparison"

KDKA's full story is RIGHT HERE

This is a bold statement by the school. And an impressive move. Ms. Jones is right in stating behavior has consequences.

That statement is at the crux of the multiple discipline issues in college football as we speak. The smaller schools such as Cal, are in a position to take a bold step.

The FCS schools of the world, that's a different issue. With the money involved (for everyone but the players), there is no chance any of the "Big Name" schools would ever do this.

Or even come close to it.

Nevertheless we applaud Cal U for making a strong statement of support and clearly sending a message to all that behavior such as this will not be tolerated.

Your TV story via KDKA: