Update: This is not the first time wide receiver KaVontae Turpin has been arrested on a charge of assault on a family member.
New Mexico has an active bench warrant out for Turpin, who failed to appear in court earlier this year, the Las Cruces Magistrate Court confirmed Monday.
Turpin was arrested March 15 in Las Cruces, New Mexico and charged with battery of a household member, criminal damage to a household property under $1000 and interference with communications, according to the arrest affidavit. Turpin pleaded not guilty to battery charges and household property damage.
Battery against a household member consists of the unlawful application of force when it is done in a rude, insolent or angry manner.
Judge Joel Cano issued the bench warrant July 17 after Turpin failed to appear at a pre-trial hearing. If convicted, Turpin faces up to six months in prison.
Turpin suspended for Kansas game following Sunday’s arrest for assault of family member
10/22: Turpin has been suspended from the team after being arrested Sunday in Fort Worth on a charge of assault bodily injury involving a family member, according to Tarrant County jail records.
Update: By Texas law, ongoing romantic relationships can fall under the “family member” category, which is how it was demoted on the Tarrant County Jail Report.
Turpin was released from the Tarrant County Jail Monday on a $1,000 bond.
“He’s suspended,” said head coach Gary Patterson. “My track record usually speaks for itself. At this point in time, he knows how that all goes, all of them do.”
Turpin will not play Saturday against Kansas.
“We have a player policy down here and we’ve always made sure we do the right thing,” Patterson said.
The university said they are continuing to gather information to determine Turpin’s fate. Turpin may also face a charge of violating the University Code of Student Conduct separate from legal charges.
“TCU expects its students to behave in an ethical manner, abide by campus policies and adhere to state and federal law,” the university said in a statement.
Turpin holds the TCU record for most special teams touchdowns with six.
This season, Turpin has almost 1,000 all-purpose yards. He is second in the team in receptions (29), receiving yards (410), and receiving touchdowns (three) behind teammate Jalen Reagor.
In Saturday’s 52-27 loss to Oklahoma, Turpin had 5 receptions for 62 yards and a touchdown to go along with a career-best 99-yard kickoff return touchdown that scored the Frogs’ first points of the game
This story will continue to be updated as more information is made available to TCU 360.
