Now we come to reason No. 14,732 why college football coaches absolutely dread this time of the year.
The latest to be forced to deal with an off-field legal issue? First-year Southern Miss head coach Ellis Johnson.
According to the Mobile Press-Register, Jamal Woodyard was one of three adult males arrested Friday evening and charged with felony second-degree robbery. Woodyard was released from the Baldwin County Corrections Center after posting a $15,000 bond.
The school has yet to address the arrest.
The Press-Register offered several details of the incident that led to the felony charge:Fairhope police records indicate Woodyard was among three men who robbed an individual Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the 500 block of North Section Street. Authorities said three men robbed an individual Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the 500 block of North Section Street.
Police said the victim, an 18-year-old male, had left a business and was walking to his car when he saw several males near his vehicle. They assaulted and overpowered the victim, stealing his cash and cell phone. No weapons were involved and no injuries were reported.
Fairhope police investigated the incident and arrested Woodyard, 21, of Fairhope, Willie Demetrius Woodyard, 19, of Fairhope, and Trenere Shawon Demario Johnson, 21, of Daphne.
Perhaps the only “good news” in this situation is that Woodyard was expected to miss the entire 2012 season after injuring his knee in the Golden Eagles’ Hawaii Bowl win over Nevada in December.
As a redshirt freshman in 2011, Woodyard led Southern Miss with 732 yards rushing. He averaged nearly seven yards per carry.
(Tip O’ the Cap: ArrestNation.com)