UT's Taylor & Griffin Under Criminal Investigation

by **Corso** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 12:54 pm

I've got to agree. I confess, I've jumped in the DMN dogpile before for it's lack of coverage of the Ponies. Sometimes it's deserved, sometimes it's not, and I realize that those of us who see the world through Red and Blue glasses want to see our Ponies on the front page each and every day. But this really is sad. Page 13? Was there not a postage stamp-sized spot clear in the back of the classifieds?

by **LonghornFan68** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 1:03 pm

Man, you guys are sure quick to pass judgement when there are no clear facts on the table yet. However, I've read on Hornfans that one member of the UT team has been asked to leave and 3 other non-starters are transferring. Perhaps UT is cleaning house in the most appropriate way. Who knows? We'll see.

by **VarsityShop** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 3:09 pm

From "InsideUSC.com"

EXCLUSIVE: Two Longhorns Under Investigation

Earlier today, the Austin (TX) Police Department issued the following statement:

The Austin Police Department is currently investigating two alleged criminal misconducts; an aggravated assault and a robbery by assault that occurred within the Downtown Area Command.

These incidents occurred on September 4th and December 10th. Information obtained indicates that the individuals being investigated in these incidents are involved in the UT athletics program. Due to the fact that these cases are still being investigated, APD cannot provide additional information.

InsideUSC.com has learned from sources familiar with the investigation that the unnamed individuals are Cedric Griffin and Ramonce Taylor, both members of the University of Texas football team.

Cedric Griffin

Griffin, a senior cornerback projected by NFL.com's Gil Brandt as a first-day pick in next April's NFL Draft, can also play safety. He tallied 73 tackles, two forced fumbles and 14 passes broken up this season and was selected as a first team All-Big 12 performer. Against Texas A&M he returned a punt for a touchdown.

Ramonce Taylor

Taylor, a sophomore running back who earlier nicknamed himself Reggie Bush Jr., shares time in the backfield with Jamaal Charles, Selvin Young and Henry Melton. His 7.0 yards per carry average and 12 touchdowns this season earned him All-Big 12 honorable mention honors.

According to Austin Police Department incident reports, at 3:06 a.m. on September 4th, officers were dispatched to investigate an assault involving an automatic handgun. Texas defeated Louisiana-Lafayette in Austin earlier that evening.

On December 10th, Austin Police responded to a call at 2:59 a.m. regarding an attempted robbery by assault in which a suspect used his hands, fist or feet to assault a victim. The incident occurred at 500 E. Seventh Street, near Austin's popular Sixth Street district.

A News 8 Austin report that doesn't identify the players being investigated describes the incidents in more detail:
Sources tell us that the victims are telling police they were downtown when they were beaten up and robbed of their money.

There have been no arrests and no indictments in the investigations, but the cases have been turned over to the district attorney's office for further review.

UPDATE: Former Travis County district attorney Ken Oden confirmed to ESPN's Joe Schad on Friday night that cornerback Cedric Griffin is one of the players being investigated, as we had reported earlier in the day.

"I have agreed to advise Cedric Griffin although no criminal charges have been filed against him. He is the subject of an investigation -- and I stress it is an investigation," Oden told Schad. "I believe no charges will be filed against him. They're saying this is assault and robbery, and it sounds hideous, but this is a trash-talking incident on the street involving Cedric and that's it. I know this is a big game and they're focused on it. But in fairness to Cedric, this was nothing more than a verbal incident in as much as it involves Cedric."

Schad's story was filed several hours after our initial report naming Griffin and Taylor.

Saturday's edition of the San Antonio Express-News contains an article listing Taylor as the second player being investigated.

MORE: Texas athletic director DeLoss Dodds issued the following statement late Friday night:

"We were surprised by the APD release of allegations concerning one or more of our student-athletes. We have followed up on the rumors that we are hearing and spoken with the two student-athletes who are alleged to be under investigation. Within the limited time we had this evening, we have gathered as much information as possible. Based upon what we know at this time we have no reason to believe that the University or the athletic department need to take any action. We will continue to monitor the matter, and we will cooperate fully with those who are conducting the investigation."

by **MrMustang1965** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 9:55 pm

Isn't it interesting that our 'friends' at WFAA - Channel 8 haven't even mentioned this yet...?

by **mustangbill67** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 10:47 pm

These are serious allegations by whoever made them but that is all they are, allegations. This may turn out to be much ado about nothing and another example of the press gone wild. I hate to villify young men regardless of where they play ball until all the facts are in.

by **mr. pony** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 10:50 pm

The press gone wild????

Who's going wild in the press? Page 13C in the DMN.

By the way, who pays for these guys lawyers? :shock:

by **mr. pony** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 10:52 pm

Oh, and thanks for your words of reason, Mr. MustangBill67, er, DeLoss!

by **MrMustang1965** » Sat Dec 17, 2005 10:52 pm

mr. pony wrote:By the way, who pays for these guys lawyers?

Probably you and me and everyone else who lives and pays taxes in Texas. After all, it is a 'state school'.

by **ALEX LIFESON** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 12:09 am

Once again, our tax dollar$ hard at work! :wink:

by **mustangbill67** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 1:19 am

mr. pony wrote:Oh, and thanks for your words of reason, Mr. MustangBill67, er, DeLoss!

Sorry, I have been interviewed and provided off the record info for the press at the local, national and international level for over 30 years. I know how stories can be distorted and situations exaggerated. I read numerous newspapers and news magazines daily but always take what the press says with a large grain of salt especially where the true facts are yet to be developed. I guess since your profile indicates you have print media connections, you are just protecting your turf which I understand. However, the fact remains that these are still young student athletes who have not been formally charged with anything. If they are ultimately charged, then say what you want. I guess I will never understand why some of you guys have such a deep rooted hatred of UT as an institution. Although SMU is my school that I support financially and as a fan,as a 7th generation Texan, I have always wanted UT to do well except when they play SMU. It is a matter of state pride.

by **LonghornFan68** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 1:39 am

mustangbill67 wrote:
mr. pony wrote:Oh, and thanks for your words of reason, Mr. MustangBill67, er, DeLoss!

Sorry, I have been interviewed and provided off the record info for the press at the local, national and international level for over 30 years. I know how stories can be distorted and situations exaggerated. I read numerous newspapers and news magazines daily but always take what the press says with a large grain of salt especially where the true facts are yet to be developed. I guess since your profile indicates you have print media connections, you are just protecting your turf which I understand. However, the fact remains that these are still young student athletes who have not been formally charged with anything. If they are ultimately charged, then say what you want. I guess I will never understand why some of you guys have such a deep rooted hatred of UT as an institution. Although SMU is my school that I support financially and as a fan,as a 7th generation Texan, I have always wanted UT to do well except when they play SMU. It is a matter of state pride.

Wow, an objective poster. Whodathunkit?

by **Rosebud** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 2:25 am

First of all, I also underscore the fact that these are nothing more than allegations at this point.

However, nothing will happen before the Rose Bowl -- we all know that. And IF there proves to be any validity to these charges, nothing happens to Griffin, because he's a senior. So while he'll earn a fortune in the draft next April, Taylor will have to sit out next year's opener against North Texas. Longhorn fans everywhere will be terrified of the potential upset.

by **tmustangp** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 2:34 am

and when cedric benson kicked in that door.. do you know what he was trying to recover?

His 42" plasma tv.. hmmm.. i don't think his signing bonus by the dodgers was enough to buy him that.. I wonder where he got the $$$, oh yah the UT alum are not as cocky and dumb as Sherwood was adn they know how to keep their cheating underwraps.. and Yes they have damn good attorneys.. UT Law school.. i heard it has a good reputation

by **ALEX LIFESON** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 9:00 am

OBJECTIVE???LOL!!! Oh by the way.......page 21 in today's Dallas Morning Statesman!

by **mr. pony** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 10:19 am

Yeah, and good ol' Chip Brown devoted 5 inches in a 10-inch story to a defense attorney! :lol:

UT's Taylor & Griffin Under Criminal Investigation

Who is online