College Football
Oregon State readies for Civil War under controversy

The Associated Press

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Redshirt freshman defensive tackle Joseph Rudulph was arrested in connection with the alleged assault, which occurred early Friday at a local night spot. Released soon thereafter, he traveled with the team to Stanford but was suspended before the game.

Teammates Anthony Wheat-Brown, Whitfield Usher and Ryan Rainwater were suspended on Monday. They were at the restaurant, but have not been arrested or charged, police said.

The suspensions are indefinite while both the police and the university conduct investigations.

"As we find out more - as we have with the added suspensions - we will act accordingly," coach Mike Riley said Tuesday in his first public comments about the case.

According to Corvallis police, Rudulph allegedly punched Staff Sgt. Gabriel Sapp in a confrontation outside the Headline Cafe. During the confrontation, Sapp was knocked unconscious.

It apparently started when Sapp was dancing at the nightclub with his wife and they were approached by a group of black men, identified as Oregon State football players, police said.

The men began making comments to Sapp's wife, who is also black, about her relationship with her husband, who is white, Corvallis police said.

Sapp, who was celebrating his last night of leave, is now back in Iraq.

Rudulph faces fourth-degree assault, harassment and disorderly conduct charges. He also faces possible expulsion from the university.

The suspensions come as the Beavers ready for their Civil War matchup with Oregon. A bowl berth is on the line for each of the 5-5 teams.
 
As for whether the suspensions would take away from the team's focus on the game, Riley said: "That's an individual thing. I think probably it won't be a distraction as we get going. I think a lot of the kids feel like I do - disappointment."

Said linebacker Trent Bray: "It's unfortunate and that's probably all I should say about it."

Wheat-Brown, a redshirt-freshman receiver, has started eight games and is third on the team in receptions with 33.

He caught 11 passes in Saturday's 24-19 win over Stanford, one short of tying the school record.

Rudulph, a reserve defensive end, has appeared in nine games this season. Usher and Rainwater have not played this season.

"I've talked to each guy," Riley said hesitantly. "They feel bad. That's all I can say."