Idaho State University assistant football coach DaVonte’ Neal was placed on administrative leave on Thursday after he was charged with felony first-degree murder in Arizona.
“The incident resulting in Neal’s arrest occurred in Arizona back in 2017,” CBS Sports reported. “He faces three other felonies in addition to first-degree murder, including one count of drive-by shooting, a class two felony. Neal was arrested without incident and is currently in jail awaiting extradition back to Arizona.”
Neal was reportedly indicted by a grand jury in Maricopa County last month, according to the Idaho State Journal, which was unable to obtain a copy of the indictment because it has been sealed.
“I have been in constant contact with (ISU head coach Charlie Ragle) who has known DaVonte’ for many years and never had any knowledge or suspicion of a possible crime of any kind,” ISU Athletic Director Pauline Thiros told the Idaho State Journal. “The news of DaVonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock. Going forward, we will cooperate in every way possible, safeguard our program and culture, support each other and our students, and allow the legal process to work. The news is devastating and we hope for resolution for all involved.”
Neal was a two-time Gatorade Arizona High School Football Player of the Year when he played at Scottsdale Chaparral. He later played college football at the University of Arizona.
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