Oregon defensive back Troy Hill was suspended indefinitely from the team on Monday after being arrested by the Eugene Police for menacing and fourth-degree assault, including strangulation, allegations on Friday night.
On Monday in Lane County Circuit Court, Hill was arraigned on misdemeanor charges of menacing and criminal mischief. The charges of fourth-degree assault and strangulation were listed as felonies but Hill was charged with misdemeanors after the arraignment. Patricia Perlow, chief deputy district attorney of Lane County, said Hill pleaded not guilty, according to Comcast SportsNet Northwest’s Aaron Fentress.
Head coach Mark Helfrich spoke about the decision to suspend Hill in a statement through the Oregon athletic department.
“We are aware of the incident and charges involving Troy Hill and he is suspended indefinitely from all football-related activities,” Helfrich said. “We expect every member of our program to hold themselves to a high standard of conduct and to represent this university with class, pride and integrity. We will wait until the legal process has concluded before making any final determination of Troy Hill’s status.”
In-custody arraignment listings at the circuit court indicated that Hill spent the weekend in jail. Neither Perlow nor Eugene police spokeswoman Melinda McLaughlin said they could release more details regarding the incident that resulted in Hill’s arrest.
Hill’s uncle, Jim Gilmer, said Friday’s incident involved a woman Hill “had been together for a while with.”
Hill was suspended for Oregon’s most recent game against Oregon State for violating team rules. That was the only game the junior missed all season.
On the year, Hill had 21 tackles, broke up four passes and forced a fumble.
Former Oregon tight end Colt Lyerla was also arrested this year. Lyerla, who withdrew from the University of Oregon on Oct. 6, was arrested on Oct. 23 for interfering with a police officer and cocaine possession.
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