MADISON, Wis. – Michael Bennett, one of the nation's best
running backs last season, was arrested at his apartment building
Monday after kicking in a woman's door, police said.
|  | | Michael Bennett, right, appears for a bail hearing with his attorney, Stephen P. Hurley, on Monday. |
The former Wisconsin player – skipping his senior season to turn
pro – was released later in the day after his arrest on three
charges, including a felony count of criminal intimidation of a
victim.
Police also were recommending charges of criminal damage to
property and disorderly conduct, both misdemeanors.
Formal charges have not been filed.
Police were still trying to determine what started the dispute
between Bennett and a 19-year-old female student, who live in the
same building but on separate floors, police spokesman Benjamin
Vanden Belt said.
The 22-year-old running back called the woman several times and
then kicked her door, splitting it sideways, but was unable to
enter the apartment, Vanden Belt said.
"The people in the apartment could not get out and nobody could
get in. It took some people pulling back and forth to get the door
open," Vanden Belt said.
Vanden Belt said Bennett may have called the woman to confront
her about a disparaging remark her friend allegedly made about him.
But Vanden Belt said the comment was minor.
Bennett was released on a signature bond after Dane County Court
Commissioner Todd E. Meurer ordered him to have no contact with the
woman or three of her friends.
Wearing a black T-shirt and white sweat pants, Bennett gave
short answers to Meurer's questions and was ordered to appear for
an initial court hearing March 5.
"He's doing just fine. It wasn't the most pleasant Monday
morning he's ever had," said Stephen P. Hurley, Bennett's
attorney.
Badgers football coach Barry Alvarez was out of town Monday and
unavailable for comment, sports information director Steve Malchow
said. He added it was premature for the school to issue a statement
while police were still investigating the matter.
Bennett began last season as an unknown commodity, trying to
replace Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne. But the four-time Big Ten
sprint champion ran for 1,598 yards – third best in the nation –
and 10 touchdowns in 10 games.
NFL scouts and general managers are enamored with Bennett's
speed and several draft publications project the 5-foot-10,
205-pound tailback as a first-round pick.
 Send this story to a friend
| |
|
