UPDATE 12/14/2016: The charges against University of Kansas basketball player Carlton Bragg have been dropped and his girlfriend, Saleeha Soofi, is now facing battery charges.
A release from the Douglas County District Attorney's Office says that Soofi indicated in an interview that she may have struck Bragg first.
Police later obtained surveillance footage from the apartment stairwell where the alleged incident took place. The release says that the video appears to show a man and woman arguing. The woman allegedly shoved and slapped the man several times before the man forcefully shoved her away causing the female to fall backwards up the ascending stairs behind her.
Saleeha Soofi
In a statement to 41 Action News, KU head coach Bill Self said that Bragg is no longer suspended from competing.
“I’m proud of the way Carlton has handled this situation, considering all the negative publicity he has received both locally and nationally," Self said. "He knew all the facts and knew that he needed to refrain from comment while the investigation took place."
Bragg also gave a statement, saying he will be glad to put the incident behind him.
“This has been a difficult and humiliating experience for me, and I’m glad it’s over," Bragg said. "I appreciate the authorities taking the time to get this right. I also appreciate the support of my teammates and coaches, and I’m glad I can put this behind me and move forward.”
ORIGINAL STORY 12/09/2016:
A University of Kansas basketball player was arrested early Friday morning.
The Douglas County District Attorney charged Carlton E. Bragg Jr. with one count of battery.
The district attorney’s office said the 20-year-old got into a fight with his girlfriend at an off-campus apartment on the 1000 block of Emery Road.
Around 1 a.m., she called 911 and told the operator Bragg Jr. hit her and pushed her down the stairs.
When officers showed up they arrested Bragg Jr.
The district attorney's office said domestic battery can't be charged under the circumstance because the relationship doesn't meet the statutory requirements.
“I heard it through my friends this morning, and it's kind of a lot of surprise because no one would've expected that,” Katie Zimmerman, a University of Kansas student, said.
Zimmerman’s friend once dated the 6’10” forward.
“No matter who it is. If you love them you shouldn't hurt them,” she said.
The Cleveland-native was named last year’s McDonald’s High School All American.
“He wants to go to the NBA—I would think so—he should know better than that, in every single aspect as a human, as a basketball player, as a decent person,” Brian Moreno, a University of Kansas student, said.
Students on campus said this matter shouldn’t be taken lightly.
“Depending on how this plays out if he's found guilty that’s something that the university needs to say this is not acceptable,” Moreno said.
Kansas Head Basketball Coach Bill Self announced Friday Bragg Jr. will not play in Saturday's game.
“Carlton and I have spoken,” Self said. “He certainly understands the circumstances surrounding this issue. We are taking this charge very seriously; we’re going to hold him out from competition as we continue to gather facts.”
“We are aware of the situation and in the process of gathering information and once we have the facts, we will act accordingly,” Jim Marchiony, senior associate athletic director, said in an e-mailed statement.
Bragg Jr. made his first court appearance via a video link Friday just before 2:30 p.m.
He appeared in street clothes wearing a gray hoodie, sweatpants and red and white sneakers.
The battery charge Bragg Jr. faces is a misdemeanor. If he’s convicted he could be fined or face up to six months in jail.
Bragg Jr.’s attorney, Hatem Chahine, entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.
A judge released Bragg Jr. on his own recognizance. If he doesn't show up to his next court hearing the sophomore will have to pay $500 and a warrant that will be issued for his arrest.
Bragg Jr.’s next court appearance is set for Dec. 27 at 1:30 p.m.
Editor's Note: The following videos were posted at the time charges against Bragg were active.
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