EUGENE, Ore. -- University of Oregon Ducks star quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was charged with second degree burglary, a Lane County court said Wednesday.
In January, a student accused Masoli of stealing a computer from the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity house. "We're aware of what happened," said fraternity brother Sam Schwab. "But at this point there's no comment," he added.
Ducks's backup wide receiver Garrett Embry was also named in the case in Lane County, the District Attorney's office said Wednesday.
Head Coach Chip Kelly said action will be taken on Friday regarding the pair's team involvement.
"I am carefully considering the latest news concerning Jeremiah Masoli and LaMichael James, and will make a decision regarding disciplinary action on Friday, March 12."
Also on Friday, James was scheduled to appear at a change-of-plea hearing. He previously pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of menacing, strangulation and assault and was expected to change his plea to "no contest" on Friday.
In February, Masoli and Embry were implicated in the alleged theft. Embry was later dismissed from the team for what the coach would only describe as "an unspecified violation of team rules."
"Something needs to be said as far as these football players knowing that they can't represent our school and then act like this," said student Deborah Bloom.
In February, Masoli and Embry were implicated in the alleged theft. Embry was later dismissed from the team for what the coach would only describe as "an unspecified violation of team rules."
"I am carefully considering the latest news concerning Jeremiah Masoli and LaMichael James, and will make a decision regarding disciplinary action on Friday, March 12," coach Chip Kelly said in a statement.
It's the latest in a slew of run-ins with the law for several players on the team
Running back Lamichael James was arrested in February for domestic assault against a girlfriend and ordered to stay away from her.
UO linebacker Kiko Alonso, 19, was cited in February for DUII, driving without insurance, failure to maintain a lane, an improper turn, and minor in possession, according to Eugene police.
Wide receiver Jamere Holland was also dismissed from the University of Oregon team. Kelly said the dismissal was for a violation of team rules. In the two-paragraph announcement, he did not specify what Holland had done wrong.
On Jan. 24, two Ducks players were involved in a large brawl near the U of O campus. One of them - kicker Rob Beard - was kicked in the head and knocked unconscious during the violent fight. Witnesses said he had been trying to break up the fight because his teammate and fellow kicker Mike Bowlin was getting beaten up. They were cited for assault.
Police previously cited UO football player Matt Simms for investigation of misdemeanor assault in what police allege was an attack on someone Simms thought was involved in beating up Beard. Simms has since left the team. So has Bowlin, who withdrew from the university as both a student and an athlete.
"They're kind of coincidences," said student Austin Taylor. "Most of them are petty things," he added.
