As Matt Rhule was winning Big 12 media days on Tuesday, one of his players was generating an all-too-familiar headline.
Bears defensive back Travon Blanchard was arrested Tuesday night on family violence charges. He was released later Tuesday night on $6,000 bond.
Suspended #Baylor LB Travon Blanchard was arrested on assault family violence charges tonight in Waco. He was released at 10:07 on $6K bond
— Jessica Morrey (@JessicaMorrey) July 19, 2017
Blanchard was arrested in Waco, but the warrant for his arrest originated out of Fort Bend County, near Houston. Blanchard’s attorney Michelle Tuegel made a statement late Tuesday evening, saying, “we look forward to representing Travon and bringing out the truth in court.”
The attorney for Travon Blanchard has released this statement #Baylor pic.twitter.com/kvxgVjlmX2
— Jessica Morrey (@JessicaMorrey) July 19, 2017
Blanchard was suspended from the program before Tuesday’s arrest, and Rhule said Tuesday (before news of the arrest broke) that his status remain unchanged.
“Travon Blanchard was suspended from all team activities immediately after learning of allegations made against him in February,” Baylor said in a statement. “That status has not changed and he has had no involvement with the program since that time. The university is aware of the arrest made today in connection with the previous allegations against Blanchard and will monitor the developments of this charge for any additional decision regarding his affiliation as a student-athlete.”
Blanchard appeared in 11 games last season, registering 73 tackles and nine TFLs.