Boston College suspends backup RB Brooks before ACC title game

11/27/2007 11:58 AM

BOSTON (AP) -Boston College backup running back A.J. Brooks has been suspended from the team indefinitely after allegedly beating and kicking a 20-year-old man on campus.

Brooks was released on $250 bail Monday after pleading not guilty to charges including assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, for allegedly kicking the man with his shoe on, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley's office.

Brooks, a junior from Orlando, Fla., was suspended from the school on Sunday, pending the outcome of the case, Boston College spokesman Jack Dunn said. BC plays Saturday at the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game against Virginia Tech in Jacksonville, Fla.

The alleged victim, whom authorities did not identify, required stitches after suffering injuries to his head, neck and face during the fight about 2 a.m. Sunday morning, said Jake Wark, a spokesman for the Conley's office.

Campus police found the Weston man, who was visiting friends on campus, Wark said. The man was treated and released from Brigham and Woman's hospital.

It was unclear what started the fight, Wark said. Brooks reportedly told police the man pushed him and he responded by punching him and knocking him down.

Campus police arrested Brooks after a witness described him and what he was wearing. Police recognized the description as matching Brooks, whom they spoke to earlier in the evening, Wark said. Dunn said the school could not give any details of the incident or the police's earlier interaction with Brooks.

Brooks was taken into custody after he acknowledged being in a fight, Wark said.

Attempts to call Brooks on campus on Tuesday were unsuccessful. A call to his attorney was not immediately returned.

Coach Jeff Jagodzinski said Monday that Brooks was suspended for a violation of team rules.

Brooks played in seven games for the No. 12 Eagles (10-2) and ran 25 times for 79 yards and no touchdowns. His best season came as a freshman when he rushed for 160 yards in his first start and finished the season with 319 yards and three touchdowns on 57 carries.