Vanderbilt Dismisses Football Player Kayleb Barnett Amid Strangulation, Identity Theft Charges

Vanderbilt University has dismissed football player Kayleb Barnett from the team following his arrest on felony charges. The 20-year-old faces counts of strangulation and identity theft, along with a misdemeanor charge for possessing a false ID.

Vanderbilt athletics released a statement confirming Barnett's removal: "We are aware of the situation. Kayleb Barnett violated team and university standards and is no longer with the program."

According to a police affidavit, an officer observed Barnett placing a victim in a chokehold, causing the individual to lose consciousness. Responding officers noted significant bleeding around the victim and subsequently arrested Barnett without incident. The victim regained consciousness shortly after but had difficulty recalling the events leading to the altercation.

One witness stated Barnett initiated the physical contact by throwing the first punch. However, Barnett claimed the other individual threw the first punch, which he dodged, and that he then restrained the victim to prevent further assault. The affidavit indicates officers deemed Barnett the aggressor.

During his arrest, officers discovered two forms of identification. Police stated one ID belonged to Barnett, indicating he was underage, while the second belonged to another individual. The arrest occurred Saturday night near the Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville.

Barnett, a former track standout from Oklahoma, initially committed to Central Arkansas before accepting a scholarship offer from Vanderbilt. He recorded six catches and a touchdown as a freshman for the Commodores. This season, with increased competition at receiver, Barnett had seven catches for the 3-3 team.

Barnett has not yet secured legal representation. He was released from the Davidson County detention center after posting a $5,000 bond.