Ex-WSU Standout Arrested, Released

Former Washington State University football player James Darling was arrested Tuesday for his involvement in an early morning incident in Pullman.

Darling was booked into Whitman County Jail at 10 a.m. for residential burglary, fourth-degree assault and malicious mischief, said officials at the Whitman County jail.

The incident took place at 12:45 a.m.

Bond was not set against Darling, and he was released on his own recognizance. The case is pending referral to the Whitman County Prosecutor’s Office.

Whitman County Prosecutor James Kaufman said Darling was was released after signing a $20,000 promise to appear in court for a May 16 hearing.

According to Pullman police, Darling, along with another man, John Marsh, went to an apartment in search of a third man. After entering the unlocked and unoccupied apartment, the two were confronted by a neighbor.

Darling and Marsh “shoved and threatened” the neighbor police said, when he did not tell them where the man was. After the neighbor called police, the two returned to the fraternity house, where they accosted several more men and damaged property.

Police said they released Marsh but locked up Darling because they were afraid he might flee.

The Philadelphia Eagles made Darling their second-round draft pick - the 57th overall selection - in the NFL draft last month. The highly-touted linebacker was a Sporting News second-team All-American in his final season with the Cougars.

Darling could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.

Neil Schwartz, Darling’s agent, said his client expects to fulfill all his obligations to the Eagles.

“He plans on being in Philadelphia whenever he’s expected to be there,” Schwartz said.

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