Nigel Bethel was dismissed from the Texas Tech football team after he punched Amber Battle (girl on the women’s basketball team) during a pickup basketball game. Video emerged of the incident and for some reason, the grand jury dismissed the charges.
From ESPN:
Lubbock attorney Tray Payne told ESPN.com that the charges against Bethel were dropped after a grand jury found there was no evidence to substantiate assault nor probable cause to pursue charges.
“This is not what it was made out to be,” Payne said. “He’s a good kid with no criminal history, and this was out of character.”
Oh, and the jury wrote a letter that requested that Bethel be re-instated and Battle was suspended by the school after she admitting to initiating contact.
“We believe he was unduly and prematurely punished. This was an unfortunate incident in a pick-up basketball game. This is a matter that should not result in criminal charges for either party.
“Any assault does deserve immediate action, however, please ensure all testimonies, evidence and circumstances are reviewed prior to taking action which may forever alter a person’s future.
“We desire to see Mr. Bethel’s scholarship re-instated. If he is re-instated, it is our belief that his consequences should not be greater than those of Ms. Battle. If he is not re-instated, a public exoneration of his character on the part of Texas Tech University should be forthcoming, since Mr. Bethel’s future opportunities for an education as well as an athletic career have been jeopardized.”
It didn’t take long for Bethel to get re-instated.
Texas Tech freshman DB Nigel Bethel reinstated to team, but suspended for 1st 3 games
— Brett McMurphy (@McMurphyESPN) July 16, 2014
