Louisburg athletes disciplined differently after alleged assault
Two players on the Louisburg College women's basketball team face assault charges, and one of them is benched, as the team prepares to play in the National Junior College Athletic Association championship.
Posted — UpdatedPolice reports show Kiara Faith Cruse, 19, and Brittney Merriweather, 18, both face simple assault charges for hitting another Louisburg student on the head on Feb. 29, but the women are being disciplined differently.
Cruse and Merriweather both play for the Hurricanes, winners of their regional tournament last weekend. The team begins play for the national championship next Wednesday in Illinois.
Cruse has not been allowed to play since she was charged, but Merriweather has. School officials say Merriweather attempted to break up the fight and that's why they allowed her to continue playing games.
"We understand from our athletic director there are no guidelines that prevent a student who's been charged with a crime from continuing to play," said Jason Modlin, vice president for student life.
Modlin said the school was investigating the issue, and he said student safety is the top priority.
College president Dr. Mark La Branche issued this statement:
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
