One of the more disturbing off-the-field stories of this offseason has resulted the dismissal of three Middle Tennessee football players.
The university announced Wednesday that defensive tackles J.D. Jones and Marcus Robinson and cornerback Rodney O’Neal are no longer on the team. The three were previously suspended for their alleged involvement in an assault case that carried with it some frightening details.
The Murfreesboro Daily News Journal previously reported that Jones was videotaped, by Robinson and O’Neal, allegedly choking a female victim in order to get her to cough up money that would be used to buy marijuana. Jones is facing two counts of domestic aggravated assault; Robinson and O’Neal were charged with two counts of aiding and abetting. All three are due in court Aug. 29.
“I have decided to dismiss J.D. Jones, Rodney O’Neal and Marcus Robinson from our football program. I took my time in making this decision, as I wanted to make sure I gathered as much information as possible,” MTSU coach Rick Stockstill (pictured) said in a statement. “Their actions do not reflect upon all the good surrounding our football program. Every choice a person makes has consequences, good or bad. And unfortunately, their choice has led me to dismiss them from the team.”
Jones was likely the only of the three players in line for significant playing time in 2013.
