Ault angry over latest UNR arrests

RENO, Nev. – Nevada begins practice Monday under new leadership and a dark cloud after the arrests of nine Wolf Pack football players on felony charges over the last 1 1/2 years.

Coach Chris Ault expressed shock and anger after the latest arrest, and questioned the recruiting practices of former coach Chris Tormey, now assistant head coach at Washington.

Sophomore cornerback Rodney Landingham was arrested Thursday on suspicion of robbing a Wells Fargo Bank in Reno. Police said he later admitted to three other armed robberies in Reno this summer.

On July 30, junior defensive end Brenton Kendrick and sophomore cornerback Steven Murphy were arrested on multiple drug charges in downtown Reno.

“I think these incidents of the last week make it very clear why our program is in the fragile and unrespected position it is today,” said Ault, who was hired for his third tour as head coach in December.

“Looking at this last (string of arrests), coupled with some things prior, I feel the moral fiber of this football program was in perception only,” he added.

Ault said all nine players were recruited by Tormey, who posted a 16-31 record in four years at Nevada. Tormey was hired and fired by Ault, the former athletic director.

Tormey was unavailable for comment.