Oregon Ducks Wide Receiver Messiah Hampton Arrested After High-Speed Chase
Hampton faces felony charges for attempting to elude police and reckless driving.
Oregon wide receiver Messiah Hampton was arrested on Friday and faces felony charges for attempting to elude police and reckless driving, Springfield police confirmed to The Oregonian/OregonLive.
Hampton's arrest comes just one day before the Oregon Ducks were scheduled to host No. 20 Northwestern. He has been added to the Big Ten availability report and will not play in the upcoming game. Hampton was booked into Lane County Jail on Friday and released later the same day.
The charges stem from a late-night incident on Oct. 18, hours after Oregon's victory over Nebraska. Police pursued two vehicles that eluded capture. One of the vehicles was later found abandoned near the location where Oregon receiver Evan Stewart was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Police have stated that Stewart is not a suspect in the high-speed chase.
"Mr. Hampton has been identified as the driver of one of the vehicles," Springfield Police deputy chief George Crolly told the Oregonian/OregonLive. "We are still working to identify the driver of the other vehicle."
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning had previously commented on an incident that did not meet the program's standards but did not provide specific details at the time. "There will be an appropriate action taken," Lanning stated regarding the earlier incident involving Stewart.
Hampton, a freshman, has recorded 18 receptions for 161 yards and two touchdowns in six games this season. The Oregon Ducks, who started the season ranked No. 2, have since fallen out of the rankings after losses to Oklahoma State, UCLA, and Illinois. Quarterback Dante Moore is out for the season with a concussion.