UPDATED 5:00 p.m. ET: The update has been made below as well, but Rees’ charges are officially as follows: two counts of resisting law enforcement, minor consumption and battery. All are misdemeanors. The battery charge was previously a felony.
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Yesterday, CBSSports’ Dennis Dodd declared the opening of the “silly season” of college football, where no spring practices meant ample time for football players to get into all kinds of shenanigans.
Lo and behold, it only took Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees a matter of hours to get himself into trouble.
The Chicago Tribune and South Bend Tribune report that Rees, along with Irish linebacker Carlo Calabrese, was arrested Thursday morning when cops tried to break up an off-campus party. Police say Rees “actively resisted” officers trying to corral him and other party-goers before throwing an interception in the endzone.
“It wasn’t terribly violent, but it was enough to be considered resisting,” South Bend police Capt. Phil Trent told the Tribune.
However, WSBT-TV reports, via Trent, that Rees “kneed an officer in the stomach” and was pepper sprayed before being taken into custody. The Tribune was able to confirm both incidents.
Rees has been hit with charges of resisting law enforcement, battery to law enforcement, minor consumption and public intoxication -- all misdemeanors. He was being held without bond until the county prosecutor’s office decided on formal charges.
Calabrese, a backup LB who played in every game last season, was slapped with a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. South Bend PD claims Calabrese told officers “my people will get you” before being arrested. He was released after posting $150 bond.
“The university is aware of this incident and is confident that it will be handled in a prompt and professional manner through the criminal justice system,” Notre Dame spokesman Dennis Brown said in a statement. “Internal discipline is handled privately, in accord with our own policies and federal law.”
Additionally, coach Brian Kelly offered this response:
“I am aware of last night’s incident involving two of our football players. I am of course very concerned given the nature of the allegations, but I am still gathering information. I’ll withhold judgment until I can collect all the facts and speak with both Carlo and Tommy.”
Rees started 12 of 13 games last season, but was thoroughly entrenched in Notre Dame’s quarterback battle this spring. While all the facts regarding this case are still being developed, the incident surely doesn’t help Rees’ campaign to begin the 2012 season as the incumbent starter.