In the middle of last month, reports surfaced that “University of Colorado athletics officials are looking into reports that Buffs football players were involved in a fight that spilled out onto the streets.” Nearly a month later, the legal chickens have come home to roost for one Buffs players.
According to the Denver Post, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Josh Tupou on charges of (take a deep breath) suspicion of second-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, criminal mischief, trespassing and reckless endangerment. The defensive tackle turned himself in to the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Thursday, the Post added.
Tupou is alleged to have assaulted three men at a house party, one of whom was taken to a local hospital to treat a broken nose and a broken bone in his cheek. A second man was allegedly kicked in his nuggets by Tupou, while a third was allegedly punched in the back of the head.
The paper writes that “according to an arrest affidavit, police allege Tupou and two other CU football players, Jaleel Awini and Donovan Lee, were at the party and were ‘instigators.’” Neither Awini nor Lee have been charged.
Tupou was also accused of knocking a hole in a privacy fence where the party was being held. That move caused an estimated $300-$700 worth of damage.
The last two seasons, Tupou has started all 24 games for the Buffaloes. All told, he’s started 31 games during his time in Boulder.
The school has not commented on what if any punishment is awaiting the defensive lineman.