Laremy Tunsil, an All-American offensive lineman at Ole Miss, turned himself in on assault charges on Friday for allegedly striking his stepfather to defend his mother.
Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze told ESPN Tunsil and his mother have filed charges against Lindsey Miller. The coach also indicated the school will wait to determine how to handle Tunsil's playing status.
"We can confirm that Laremy Tunsil turned himself in and was arrested for a misdemeanor, domestic violence-simple assault," Freeze said in a statement to ESPN. "The incident occurred Thursday night and involves Laremy defending his mother against his stepfather.
"Laremy realizes he could have handled it differently, but I am proud of him for standing up for his mother and protecting his family. Laremy and his mother have also pressed charges against the stepfather. As we gather more facts, we will act and make decisions accordingly."
An unnamed source told ESPN Tunsil punched Miller when he "shoved his mother," calling the incident a "simple" case of a son standing up for his mother.
But Miller, speaking with the Jackson Clarion-Ledger, said Tunsil's version of events is untrue. He told the newspaper he received a restraining order against the Ole Miss football player that also protects his two sons. Miller called Tunsil the instigator in an argument the two had on Thursday.
Tunsil is rehabbing a broken leg and dislocated ankle, the Ledger noted, but was expecting to be ready for the start of the Rebels' season. Widely regarded as one of the best offensive linemen in college football, Tunsil is also being pegged a potential top-10 selection in the NFL Draft.
