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Suspended CU football player charged with assault
Rachel Berns
University of Colorado sophomore linebacker Michael Sipili, right, and his attorney, Lou Rubino, walk into the Boulder County Justice Center on Aug. 16, 2007.
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Share and Enjoy One of the three University of Colorado football players suspended over brawling allegations was formally charged today with second-degree assault causing bodily injury and criminal mischief.
Michael Sipili, 19, a sophomore inside linebacker from Hawaii, appeared with his attorney in Boulder County District Court for the brief charging. In a suit and tie, Sipili stood silent next to his attorney, Lou Rubino, who spoke only to schedule a preliminary hearing in the case for Sept. 6.
Neither Rubino nor Sipili would comment after the court appearance.
Sipili was arrested Aug. 1 on suspicion of tackling and punching a 22-year-old CU student numerous times early June 16. He’s been indefinitely suspended from the football squad.
Chris Perri, 20, a sophomore defensive tackle, also was suspended for the first three games of the season for his alleged involvement in the same June fight. He’s suspected of fighting with another CU football player, Taj Kaynor.
Kaynor, 21, a defensive tackle, has been suspended for one game.
Posted by rnorthro14 on August 16, 2007 at 7:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)
More overzealous over prosecution of a CU football player by the Boulder DA.
By way of comparison, the punter who stabbed his competition, a premeditated attempt to harm in order to gain favor on his team was convicted of second degree assault.
Mary KKKeenan er Lacey is at it again!
Posted by Saheeb on August 16, 2007 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The punter was convicted of second degree assault, but I believe he was originally charged with something far more serious, perhaps even murder. Prosecutors usually charge defendants with something more than what they expect to convict them on then settle for what they really want/expect. I wouldn't read too much into what charges were filed. But yeah, the point that they're overzealous when it comes to athletes, football players in particular, is probably true. No aspiring prosecutor, or one up for re-election, wants to appear soft on football players....
Posted by cbuffsu on August 17, 2007 at 1:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
you mean attempted murder...you can't be charged with murder unless you kill someone....
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