A domestic-related incident has led to, at least initially, some very serious legal hot water for a member of the Texas football program.
According to multiple outlets, Longhorns wide receiver Cayleb Jones has been charged with aggravated assault, a second-degree felony in the state of Texas. A warrant has been issued for Jones’ arrest, although it’s not yet known if he’s turned himself in to authorities.
The felony charge arose due to bodily injury suffered by the alleged victim, a UT tennis player. Jones allegedly broke the jaw of a man -- identified as Joseph Swaysland -- who was dating a UT volleyball player, a female who Jones had a prior relationship as well that ended badly.
An affidavit described the unprovoked assault as occurring on Feb. 22. The women, Katherine Bell, stated in court documents that Jones “carried jealousy and anger” following their breakup, with Jones telling her a week prior to the alleged punch that broke Swaysland’s jaw that he doesn’t “like the way you are happy and I don’t want you talking to [him].”
In a statement, UT head coach Mack Brown said that Jones “has been suspended from all team activities pending the completion of the legal process.”
While Jones had just two receptions for 35 yards as a true freshman last season, he was viewed as a viable contender for a starting job entering the spring. At the least, he was expected to see an increased workload in the regular season. Now, depending on how the legal situation plays out, Jones could be looking at multi-game suspension, provided he even remains on the team.
A four-star member of the Longhorns’ 2012 recruiting class, Jones was rated as the No. 5 receiver in the country, the No. 7 player in the state of Texas and the No. 41 player in the nation at any position.