Wracked by attrition on that side of the ball, TCU’s defense could be getting some much-needed help in the very near future.
Senior defensive end Mike Tuaua, along with reserve wide receiver Andre Petties-Wilson, were arrested early last week for a Sept. 4 incident in which it’s alleged they kicked and punched a fellow student in the face in an attempt to steal the sweet elixir known as Keystone Light. After his coach used the arrests to take a shot at Baylor, Tuaua was suspended -- he was held out of the first two games because of the situation, missed a third because of the suspension -- while the university’s judicial committee conducted its own investigation into the incident.
The results of that in-house probe are in, and Tuaua and his teammate have been reinstated to the football program. Tuaua, as well as Petties-Wilson, have returned to practice.
While cleared by the school, the pair are still facing legal charges stemming from the allegations. Head coach Gary Patterson declined to say whether either would be available for this Saturday’s Big 12 opener against Texas.
Getting Tuaua back would be the biggest boon for the Horned Frogs. A JUCO transfer, the lineman started five games last season and was fourth on the team in sacks with five.
Petties-Wilson took a redshirt as a true freshman last season, and has yet to see the field for the Horned Frogs.