Two UCLA football players reported to officials at San Bernadino
Superior Court on Thursday in connection with a felony charge that
occurred sometime in February.
Freshmen linebacker John Hale and defensive lineman Jess Ward
turned themselves into San Bernadino Superior Court officials when
a warrant was issued for their arrest, UCLA sports information
director Marc Dellins said.
Hale and Ward pleaded not guilty to a felony count of assault
and were released on their own recognizance. UCLA football coach
Karl Dorrell has taken no disciplinary action at this point.
The incident occurred between guests at the home of Ward’s
parents in Running Springs over two months ago. On the following
day, the police questioned those under suspicion. Hale and Ward
were not detained and, according to UCLA, two other men were
arrested.
The Daily Bruin was unable to obtain the initial police report,
and it remains uncertain who else was involved.
Through a statement released by the UCLA athletic department,
Dorrell revealed that he was made aware of the incident the day
after it happened.
“We are aware of the circumstances that occurred in
Jess’ parents’ home,” Dorrell said. “John
and Jess called me the day after the incident and told me what
happened.”
Dorrell and his coaching staff have decided not to suspend Hale
or Ward, citing the inconclusive evidence of the legal proceeding
at this stage. In defense of his players, Dorrell claims that the
freshmen football players were only trying to move the incident off
of Ward’s parents’ property.
“It appears that John and Jess were not involved in the
altercation other than trying to move it out of the house,”
he said. “Based on information available to us, we have
decided to wait until the outcome of the legal process to impose
any disciplinary action.”
Hale played in 11 of UCLA’s 12 games last season, starting
seven games at middle and outside linebacker. He is projected to
start at middle linebacker next season. Ward didn’t see any
playing time and still has four years of eligibility remaining.