Coug football player arrested for assault

PULLMAN – Washington State defensive tackle Andy Roof, who earlier this spring touted he was ready to turn his life around, was arrested early Saturday for assault.

Roof, 22, allegedly head-butted a man who was keeping him out of a private party on Pullman’s College Hill, said Pullman Police Cmdr. Chris Tennant. Roof then allegedly fought a few more men at the party before being arrested.

Alcohol was involved, Tennant said.

Roof told reporters earlier this spring he had stopped drinking after being kicked out of WSU last year for alcohol offenses, and said he was back in college to prove he was not a “screw-up.”

WSU football spokesman Bill Stevens said the coaches knew about the incident and will gather more information before deciding appropriate discipline.

But suspension from the team might be the least of Roof’s worries. Because WSU suspended him last semester after breaking its “three-strike” alcohol rule, the university could expel him this time. Elaine Voss, WSU’s director of student conduct, had no comment.

Plus, Roof could face jail time.

Roof was arrested for fourth-degree assault, a misdemeanor. But he could face felony third- or second-degree assault if the victims were hurt seriously, Tennant said.

“It really depends on injury,” he said.

Medical personnel also responded to the 1:36 a.m. call to 425 N. Colorado St. and checked out three or four of the victims, Tennant said. No one was transported to the hospital.

Police don’t yet know the extant of their injuries or how many people were involved, Tennant said. He hoped the investigation will be completed by Friday, but that is “optimistic,” he said.