Tough Weekend For The Longhorns

As preparations are under way to play USC for the national Championship the underdog Longhorns can not afford distractions. Unfortunately Austin was full of distractions with allegations of assault and armed robbery by several players including two starters and then the report of players leaving the team to transfer to other schools.

According to several media reports in Austin, as many as four Longhorn football players, including three starters, are being investigated by Austin police for robbery and assault in two separate incidents. The first alleged incident occurred on September 4 with the other happening last weekend in the early morning hours of December 10. Two of the names that have surfaced in various news outlets include starting running back Ramonce Taylor and starting cornerback Cedric Griffin.

According to an Austin Police Department report, the December incident occurred at 2:59 a.m. on Seventh Street, just one block away from Austin's popular Sixth Street district. The report said that the police responded to a call regarding an attempted robbery by assault. The September incident took place at 3:06 a.m., and the report stated that officers were sent to investigate an assault that involved an automatic handgun.

"We were surprised by the APD release of allegations concerning one or more of our student-athletes," UT Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds said Friday night in a prepared statement. "We have followed up on the rumors that we are hearing and spoken with the two student-athletes who are alleged to be under investigation. Within the limited time we had this evening, we have gathered as much information as possible. Based upon what we know at this time we have no reason to believe that The University or the athletics department need to take any action. We will continue to monitor the matter and we will cooperate fully with those who are conducting the investigation."

OrangeBloods.com

Then came the news that three Texas players, freshman running backs Michael Houston and Jerrell Wilkerson and sophomore defensive back Bobby Tatum, have left the team and will transfer, the school announced Friday.
All three were reserve players. Tatum played in eight games and recorded four tackles this season. Houston played in two games, rushing for 27 yards and three carries. Wilkerson redshirted this season.