Pittsburgh standout defensive end Jabaal Sheard was arrested in the middle of last month on three charges, including a felony, following an off-campus fight.
The felony portion of the equation came into play because Sheard threw a live human being through a glass door at one of the city’s art galleries. The tossing occurred after police officers had already arrived on the scene and were attempting to breakup a fight between Sheard and the male who ultimately flew through the air with the greatest of ease.
Pepper spray was involved as well as the fight continued after the tossing and after the officers were still attempting to intervene post-toss.
Head coach Dave Wannstedt suspended Sheard indefinitely following the arrest. Sheard ultimately pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct (???), and was quickly reinstated by Wannstedt.
The decision to not only reinstate Sheard but to do so without the lineman missing so much as a game has led critics to question the way Wannstedt’s handled the situation.
Speaking at Pittsburgh’s media day, the defiant coach defended his actions in reinstating Sheard.
“Hear me loud and clear please. After gathering all of the information and the legal system took its course, we are very comfortable with the decision we made considering Jabaal,” Wannstedt said according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
“You all know that we have had players in the past, as every school does, off the field, on the field, where it hasn’t worked out. But my responsibility to the university and these kids is to be consistent and fair with the facts and handle it accordingly. And that’s all I have to say about that.”
Sheard himself apologized for the incident.
“Last month, I made a huge mistake that reflected poorly upon my school and my family. I am deeply sorry for that, and I want to sincerely apologize to my teammates, coaches and family for my actions. I have told them I will work hard to gain their respect and be a leader on and off the field.”