By Raychael Moseley / Managing Editor

Two Central Methodist University football players were arrested following an alleged assault in the team’s locker room Friday, Oct. 9. The incident left the victim injured and led to a referral to a concussion specialist.

The arrests come just days before CMU is scheduled to face Missouri Valley University in Valley’s homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 17. 

Michael Hourel Jr. and Kamarrion Ferguson were arrested Oct. 12 and held on suspicion of third-degree assault, according to probable cause statements filed Oct. 13 in Howard County Circuit Court.

According to the statements, Fayette police responded to CMU on Oct. 12 after receiving a report of an assault involving members of the football team.

The victim told police that players had established a rule requiring teammates who arrived late to practice to fight another player as punishment.

On Oct. 9, the victim reportedly entered the locker room around 7:30 a.m. to participate in a fight after arriving late. The player he initially selected allegedly stated he did not want to participate beyond body shots.

According to the probable cause statement, Hourel intervened and struck the victim in the face. The victim told police he fought back in self-defense before other players joined the altercation.

The victim identified Ferguson as another participant in the assault.

The following day, the victim sought treatment at an urgent care facility in Columbia and was referred to a concussion specialist because of concerns about a brain bleed.

During an interview with police, Ferguson admitted to joining the fight and striking the victim after Hourel became involved.

Hourel, who identified himself as a team captain, told police the arrangement was created because defensive players were not being held accountable for arriving late to practices and walkthroughs.

According to the statement, Hourel said the team, including the victim, had agreed to the arrangement. He told police he intervened because he did not believe the original fight would teach the victim a lesson.

Hourel allegedly told investigators he struck the victim with open hands and acknowledged that other players joined the fight.

Both Hourel and Ferguson were arrested and had arraignments Oct. 14. According to Missouri Case.net, Hourel appeared in Howard County Circuit Court for his arraignment. During the hearing, the court denied a request to modify his bond and scheduled a bond review hearing for Oct. 22.

Ferguson posted bond Oct. 14 and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing Oct. 27.

In a statement released by Joe Warner, Central Methodist’s director of marketing and communications, the university confirmed the incident and said the students identified as participants have been suspended indefinitely from the football program.

“The safety and well-being of this student is our highest priority,” the statement said. “This behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with our United Methodist heritage and a campus culture grounded in respect and care for others.”

The statement described the arrangement as an informal accountability measure among a small group of players rather than an official team rule.

“Based on what we currently know, this was an informal ‘accountability’ arrangement among a small group of players, rather than an official team rule,” the statement said. “The investigation will establish how it originated and who knew about it.”

CMU said the investigation remains ongoing and that the university will limit further comments while establishing the facts.