We still don’t know who the second player is that was involved in a locker-room incident earlier this month, but we do now know we won’t be seeing him on the playing field anytime soon.
Cal announced Friday that an unidentified player connected to that incident has been indefinitely suspended by the football program. Following an internal investigation, the school determined that Player X was the instigator in a fight with teammate Fabiano Hale that resulted in the latter’s hospitalization.
Hale, a freshman running back, suffered what he called a significant concussion as well as stitches in his ear as a result of the scuffle.
“There is no excuse for what occurred,” head coach Sonny Dykes said in a statement. “We are building a culture of accountability and trust within our football program. Our players understand those expectations and know that they should hold themselves to high standards at all times, whether that’s on or off the field or in the classroom. Any violation of that code of conduct will always be taken very seriously.”
In addition to the indefinite suspension, Player X will have to perform 25 hours of community service as well as attend counseling. Once he meets those conditions, reinstatement to the football team will be considered.
The incident remains under investigation by campus police. There’s been no determination yet as to whether charges will be filed.