Wednesday, October 7, 1998
Lewis suspended from football team
SUSPENSION: Player involved in fight at party, will miss
Saturday’s Arizona game
By Jeff Kmiotek and Evan Lovett
Daily Bruin Staff
UCLA sophomore tailback Jermaine Lewis has been suspended
indefinitely from the football team for his role in an altercation
early Sunday morning.
The incident, which occurred at 1:30 a.m., was reported to the
UCLA Police Department at 1:51 p.m. Monday by the alleged victim,
whose name was not identified in the police report. Witnesses
believe the alleged victim is a UCLA student.
Thirty six hours after the conclusion of the fight, the student
filed a battery report against Lewis with UCPD. The report states
that Lewis struck the victim multiple times, between 1:30 and 2
a.m. at 525 1/2 Landfair Ave.
Fourth-year psychology student Jenny Kao, who lives in the
complex where the scuffle occurred, witnessed the incident from her
balcony.
"There were two guys fighting, and one ended up on the ground.
There were at least 50 people downstairs," Kao said.
Kao also said that there was alcohol present at the party, which
was a birthday celebration.
Sources who witnessed the incident gave a detailed account of
how events transpired.
Lewis attended the party with five to 10 teammates after scoring
two touchdowns and racking up 94 yards on 15 carries vs. Washington
State earlier that afternoon. He was reportedly first involved with
the other student during a verbal disagreement concerning an
unidentified woman.
Witnesses said that, in response to being confronted by the
student, Lewis said, "Slow your roll," slang for "back off."
The student was allegedly perturbed by the comment and
approached Lewis, who was sitting on a ledge outside, five minutes
later.
Witnesses stated the combatant said, "What about ‘slow your
roll?’" and struck Lewis under the left eye.
Lewis reportedly retaliated by standing up and tackling his
opponent. They tumbled down four steps into the main courtyard, and
the fight continued.
Lewis, listed at 5-foot-7, 180 pounds, allegedly proceeded to
take control of the fight.
The fight was broken up by bystanders, but the brawl later
escalated on the sidewalk and into the street. Responding to
reports of a loud party, UCPD arrived at the scene, and the fight
ended. No report was filed by either combatant immediately
following the incident.
Lewis could not be reached for comment on the allegations
against him.
"Supposedly, (the fight) wasn’t his fault," said head football
coach Bob Toledo.
"When it gets to the point where there’s a police report,
something has to be done.
"(Lewis) felt he didn’t initiate the fight. The police will
investigate; I’m not going to tolerate those things."
Toledo also reported that Lewis suffered a small scrape beneath
his left eye and that his opponent "had to have stitches."
The leading rusher and scorer for the Bruins this year, Lewis
will definitely miss Saturday’s game at the University of Arizona.
His future eligibility status will be determined after further
review of the incident.
According to Toledo, when Lewis was informed of the suspension,
"He cried. He felt bad. He’s sorry it happened."
When approached regarding their teammate’s part in the
altercation, Lewis’ teammates were supportive of him and said that
the incident was blown out of proportion.
"If (the incident) was anything serious, it should have been
reported Saturday night," said quarterback Cade McNown.
"Why would it be reported the next day? The person all of a
sudden got his wits about them? Is that how it goes?"
"Why shouldn’t Jermaine file for assault?" said offensive guard
Andy Meyers.
Although the incident is still under investigation by school
officials, Lewis will remain under suspension indefinitely until
more information regarding his part in the fight can be
obtained.
Through the first three games of the season, Lewis had 270 yards
on 53 carries, including eight touchdowns. His average of 5.1 yards
per carry earned him a spot as one of the nation’s top rushers,
filling the void left by the departure of Skip Hicks.
Junior Keith Brown, who also scored two touchdowns against WSU,
will step into the role of starting tailback, and freshman DeShaun
Foster will take over the backup duties.
Brown said that Lewis told him after the party that he had
"gotten in a scuffle" and Lewis acted "in self-defense."
"He’s kind of down about it. He’s not a fighter," Brown
said.
Of taking over the starting role from Lewis, Brown said, "I
didn’t want it to come down to this; I’d rather just beat him
out.
"But I have to step in and do the job, and we still have a game
to play. I need to help the team.
"There’s kind of a concern whether we can get the job done,"
Brown said, referring to himself and Foster. "Of course I think we
can. I don’t think this puts us in the underdog role."
Toledo said the team realizes that this is like an injury, and
the players have to accept it as that.
"One person doesn’t make a game," Toledo said.
Jermaine Lewis
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