Oklahoma University Suspends Running Back Over Misdemeanor Charge

The Oklahoma University football program has suspended running back Joe Mixon for the entire season after he pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge, the team announced on Twitter Monday. “He will be excluded from all team activities, including being removed from the team roster,” the statement read.

Official Statement of The University of Oklahoma: pic.twitter.com/im5K96GnCE

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) August 18, 2014

The freshman was charged on Friday with misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a woman in the face. Mixon, a top recruit, could receive up to a year in prison if convicted.

A fellow Oklahoma student, 20-year-old Amelia Rae, told police that Mixon knocked her unconscious and broke four bones in her face, according to the incident report. Mixon’s lawyer maintains he was protecting himself from “a very intoxicated and troubled young woman,” according to ESPN.

The school said that under appropriate conditions, Mixon will be able to continue as a student, and could still be eligible for financial aid.