Six College Football Players Suspended, Two Charged After Teammate Assault

Six college football players at NAIA level institution Central Methodist University have been suspended indefinitely from the team, and two face criminal charges after an alleged assault on a teammate.

The university confirmed in a news release that a student-athlete was injured and required urgent care following an altercation. "The safety and well-being of this student is our highest priority," the university stated. "This behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with our United Methodist heritage and a campus culture grounded in respect and care for others."

Among the suspended players, Kamarrion Ferguson and Michael Hourel Jr. were charged with third-degree assault on October 12, according to court documents. The alleged assault occurred as a form of 'accountability' after the victim was late to practice.

The victim reportedly told police that a rule was in place where players who were late to practice had to fight someone as repercussion. Court documents indicate Hourel, who identified himself as a team captain, stated that players had not been held accountable previously, leading to the establishment of the fighting rule. According to KOMU, when the victim arrived late, he chose a teammate to fight. However, Hourel allegedly intervened to ensure the victim "learned his lesson," punching him in the face as other players reportedly joined in.

Central Methodist University clarified that this was not an officially adopted rule by coaches or staff, but rather an informal "accountability" arrangement among a small group of players. The university is conducting an investigation to determine how the rule originated and who was aware of it.

Following his admission to urgent care, the victim was referred to a concussion specialist due to concerns of a potential brain bleed.