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Report: FCS assistant arrested on first-degree murder charges
By Paul Harvey
Published:
An assistant coach at the FCS level and former FBS football player was reportedly arrested recently on charges stemming from a murder in 2017.
According to Kyle Bonagura with ESPN, Idaho State assistant DaVonte’ Neal was arrested in Pocatello, Idaho at the request of the Maricopa County (Arizona) Sherriff’s Office. The warrant for Neal’s arrest included charges of first-degree murder, drive-by shooting and discharge of a firearm at a structure.
Neal was arrested on May 25 and reportedly remains in jail awaiting extradition to Arizona. He played collegiately at Arizona and Notre Dame and was hired by Idaho State coach Charlie Ragle in January.
“I have been in constant contact with [Ragle] who has known DaVonte’ for many years and never had any knowledge or suspicion of a possible crime of any kind,” said Idaho State AD Pauline Thiros via text message to 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.”
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.