College Football Players Arrested, Suspended Over Alleged Teammate Assault

Six football players at Central Methodist University, an NAIA institution in Fayette, Missouri, have been suspended indefinitely after allegedly assaulting a teammate. Two of the players, Kamarrion Ferguson, 20, and Michael Hourel Jr., 22, were arrested and charged with third-degree assault.

According to court documents obtained by KOMU-TV, the alleged victim told Fayette police that the assault occurred because of an informal team rule mandating a physical confrontation for players arriving late to practice. The probable cause statement indicates the victim was taken to an urgent-care facility and referred to a concussion specialist due to the potential for a brain bleed.

Ferguson and Hourel, along with four other unnamed players, were suspended following the incident. Hourel, a senior linebacker and team captain, reportedly told police that the "fight rule" was implemented during a team meeting to address a lack of accountability for tardiness. He stated the victim was late to practice on October 9.

Central Methodist University released a statement addressing the incident, emphasizing that the safety and well-being of students is its highest priority. The university described the behavior as unacceptable and inconsistent with its heritage and campus culture. The statement noted that the university is investigating the so-called "fight rule," suggesting it was an informal accountability arrangement among a small group of players rather than an official team policy. The investigation aims to determine its origins and who was aware of it.

Mugshots of Kamarrion Ferguson and Michael Hourel Jr. have been released by the Howard County Police Department. The university is cooperating with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation.