Two BYU Players Arrested
Brigham Young linebacker Terrance Hooks and tight end Vic So’oto were suspended from spring drills after they were accused of breaking into two apartments in search of someone who threw a water balloon.
BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall suspended Hooks and So’oto for the final week of spring practice, including the Blue-White scrimmage April 14, and possibly longer.
Hooks and So’oto were arrested early Saturday on suspicion of burglary, Orem police Lt. Doug Edwards said. Both were released on bail Monday and an initial court court appearance was scheduled for April 16.
The Utah County Attorney received the case Monday and was considering what charges were warranted.
The players were trying to find two people who hit Hooks’ girlfriend with a water balloon from an apartment balcony after a dance in the parking lot, Edwards said.
Hooks and So’oto entered the building but went to the wrong door and kicked it in after nobody answered, Edwards said.
The people inside the apartment called security while the players pounded on another door and shouted. Hooks then kicked the second door in, Edwards said.
Police arrived while Hooks was on his way to the bedroom where the people suspected of throwing balloons had retreated, Edwards said.
So’oto, Hooks and his girlfriend were arrested. A pair of 22-year-olds accused of throwing the balloons were cited for criminal mischief.
Mendenhall said the length of the players’ suspensions will depend partly on what happens with the legal case.
“This is a matter we take very seriously,” the coach said in a statement Monday.
So’oto’s attorney, Tasi Young of Provo, said he was confident that his client’s case would be resolved. Hooks’ attorney had no immediate comment.
April 12th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
So this is how athletes get arrested when alcohol isn’t involved? With girlfriends enduring water balloons? It almost makes Chris Henry seem respectable.