rainbowgirl28 wrote:http://www.cstv.com/sports/c-track/uwire/111606aaa.html
Pole vaulters suspended because of assault allegationsOne suspect will appear in court this Friday; member of track team who was attacked suffered a concussion, broken cheek bone
By Jack Weinstein University Daily Kansan
November 16, 2006
Lawrence, KS (CSTV U-WIRE) -- A bloodstain on the pavement outside his home serves as a reminder to Tyler Kelly of a violent incident he told police he experienced there almost two weeks ago.
Sophomore pole vaulter John McDonald was arrested on suspicion of aggravated battery and released on a $10,000 bond in connection with the beating of Kelly, a teammate of McDonald's, about 3:15 a.m. Oct. 28. The district attorney has not formally brought charges against him.
McDonald will make his first appearance in Douglas County District Court on Friday.
At least one other person has been arrested in connection with the case. Forest Park, Ill., sophomore Greg Krupa was also arrested and charged with aggravated battery in connection with the incident and was later released on a $3,000 bond.
An Athletics Department administrator said two other members of the track team had been suspended in connection with the incident. Freshman pole vaulter Jordan Scott and sophomore pole vaulter Ryan Hayes have been suspended, the administrator said. It has not been confirmed whether they were arrested.
According to the police report, Kelly was attacked by five men outside his home in the 4700 block of Ranch Court. The fifth person is not yet known, but the police report said he was likely unknown to Kelly.
Kelly was taken to Lawrence Memorial Hospital following the attack to receive treatment for a concussion and other injuries sustained during the fight. He had surgery to repair a broken cheekbone Nov. 8. His head and face are still swollen, said his father, Albert Kelly.
"He lost a lot of blood," Albert said. "He could have died."
Tyler was found outside his home by his roommate Tyson Willoughby, 2006 graduate. Willoughby didn't witness the attack, but was asleep at the time and spoke with police when they arrived.
Associate Athletics Director Jim Marchiony said McDonald had not been dismissed from the team, but was suspended indefinitely. Marchiony added that the department did not plan to make a statement about the incident until the police investigation was complete. Coach Stanley Redwine declined to comment.
McDonald declined to comment, referring questions to his attorney, Michael S. Holland Sr., who also declined to comment. Neither Scott nor Hayes could be reached for comment.
Krupa will make his first appearance in court on Jan. 23. Krupa could not be reached for comment, but his attorney, John C. Johnson, said he didn't know enough about the case to comment.
"I haven't talked with him enough to make a statement," he said.
Despite his injuries, Tyler competed this past weekend in the Cross Country Midwest Regional Championships in Minneapolis, finishing 93rd out of 135.
Albert said his son willed himself to compete because the end of his son's career was nearing and the competition was one of the last times Tyler would get to run. Kelly said his son was lucky not to be in worse shape.
"We're delighted we're planning Tyler's future instead of his funeral," he said.
This is very serious.
How many vaulters have been suspended so far? 3?
