Ad Disclosure
Minnesota boots freshman walk-on off team after allegedly assaulting an officer
Published:
The Minnesota football team has dismissed a freshman walk-on after he allegedly assaulted an officer, according to a report from the Pioneer Press.
Freshman Max Janes was booted from the team shortly after being arrested and jailed by Minneapolis police on Feb. 8 for allegedly punching a police officer. He faces a fourth-degree felony assault charge for “demonstrable harm” of a police officer.
From the Pioneer Press:
Officers found Janes loitering outside the post office and observed him attempt to get inside a loading dock when a garage door opened. Police said he was intoxicated and “substantially underdressed” for the subzero temperature. When officers put Janes in the squad car, he told them he needed to vomit.
According to the complaint, officers opened the door for him. Janes got out of the car and punched one of the officers in the face. He fought with the officers until he was restrained and transported to jail.
Head coach P.J. Fleck issued a statement regarding the situation.
“We have extremely high standards for members of our team and when those standards are not met there are consequences,” he said. “The behavior exhibited in this situation is completely unacceptable and contradictory to the culture we are creating. Law enforcement officers speak to our team and educate them multiple times a year, and we greatly appreciate those who protect and serve us on a daily basis.”
Janes was a walk-on player for the Gophers in 2018, appearing in all 13 games on special teams and registering one tackle for the year.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB