Jaamal Berry charged with assault

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Ohio State sophomore running back Jaamal Berry has been suspended from the team after being charged with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct stemming from an Oct. 21 incident in Columbus.

Ohio State spokesman Jerry Emig said in a statement that Berry had been suspended from the team "for violating the university's student-athlete code of conduct."

"Berry will remain suspended until charges filed against him have been resolved," the statement read. He has an arraignment hearing scheduled for Dec. 1.

The early-morning incident allegedly occurred between Berry and a 21-year-old man when, according to a Columbus police report, the man was struck in the face.

The alleged victim said Berry punched him with a closed fist after an argument and that a witness was hit as he tried to break up the fight, according to the police report. Another witness said Berry bragged about what he had done. There were no serious injuries.

The alleged victim filed a civil lawsuit against Berry last week, accusing him of assault, battery and ethnic intimidation. Ohio State officials have said that Berry would be suspended if charged, pending the outcome of the case. Berry also was involved in a Sept. 28 incident that Ohio State police described as an assault. No charges were filed in that incident.

Berry was treated and released at a hospital following that incident. Ohio State's student newspaper, The Ohio State Lantern, reported that Berry was confused and disoriented after "wrestling" with another student on campus. Berry was in uniform for Saturday's game against Wisconsin but did not play. He has appeared in five games this season and has seven kick returns, three rushes and two receptions.

Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment, The Associated Press reported.

Adam Rittenberg covers Big Ten football for ESPN.com. He can be reached at espnritt@gmail.com. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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Adam Rittenberg | email

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• ESPN.com Big Ten blogger
• Joined ESPN.com in 2008
• Wrote for Arlington Heights (Ill.) Daily Herald