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Rutgers receiver Carroo arrested, charged with assault
PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- Rutgers receiver Leonte Carroo has been charged with assault under domestic violence in connection with an unspecified matter after the team's game last weekend.
The team announced Sunday that the senior captain was suspended indefinitely. Then officials said Monday he had been arrested.
About two hours before the news of his arrest was released, coach Kyle Flood was asked about if and when Carroo might be able to return.
"I don't anticipate any change in status as of right now," Flood said. "And it would be hard for me to answer the rest of that until I had more details just because it's a hypothetical right now."
Rutgers Police Chief Kenneth Cop said in a statement that the Saturday incident was outside the Hale Center, the team's training and administrative building. Cop did not release further details.
The arrest and suspension are the latest stains on a program that has seen six other players kicked off the team this month after being arrested.
"As the head coach, everything ultimately reflects on you and it's part of the job. If you shy away from that, you probably shouldn't do the job," Flood said. "But I'm very comfortable that the people that know our program, the people who are invested in our program, and the people that spend time with our program know the quality and the high quality of the young men that we have down in that locker room right now."
Prior to the seven arrests, Rutgers began investigating Flood for possible improper contact with a teacher about a player's grade.
At practice on Monday, athletic director Julie Hermann met with players and emotionally expressed support for Flood.
"It was pretty much reiterating what we preach around here which is family," junior defensive lineman Julian Pinnix-Odrick said. "As high as the athletic director, she just shows love for our team and we have her full support all the time."
Hermann said she spoke to the team about personal accountability and expressed her "unwavering support" for the program.
"This program has historically represented this university to the highest standards, both on and off the field," Hermann said in a statement shortly after news of Carroo's arrest broke. "I can tell you from my personal interactions that this locker room is filled with the type of leaders and quality young men that will continue to serve as exemplary ambassadors for the university."
After a clean record for three years, Carroo was suspended for the first half of the first game of the season for violating curfew during training camp.
"I had a chance to prevent things from happening and I allowed it to happen," Carroo said at the time of his suspension. "So I take full responsibility with me being a captain and leader of this team."
He also vowed that his off-field issue was a one-time misstep.
"I know I'm a guy that will put this past me and never make this mistake again," Carroo said. "From now on, I'll just have better decisions in my life and continue to do good and show my teammates and the university that I still do have those good traits and those good characteristics."
