Originally published September 13, 2006 at 12:00 AM | Page modified September 13, 2006 at 3:31 PM

Punter arrested for allegedly stabbing rival in kicking leg

Mitch Cozad, a sophomore from Wheatland, Wyo., allegedly attacked starting punter Rafael Mendoza in a parking lot.

The Associated Press

GREELEY, Colo. – The University of Northern Colorado's reserve punter was arrested Tuesday, accused of stabbing his rival in his kicking leg.

Mitch Cozad, a sophomore from Wheatland, Wyo., allegedly attacked starting punter Rafael Mendoza in a parking lot in Evans on Monday night, Evans police Lt. Gary Kessler said.

Mendoza, the Bears' first-string punter from Thornton, was treated and released from the North Colorado Medical Center Monday night. Coach Scott Downing said Mendoza will not punt for UNC in Saturday's game at Texas State University.

"I don't know how long he'll be out because I haven't talked to the doctor," Downing said.

Cozad, Mendoza and freshman Zak Bigelow had been in a three-way race for the starting punter's job in pre-season training. Mendoza has averaged 37.6 yards-per-punt on nine punts in the two games so far this season.

Cozad is facing second-degree assault charges and was scheduled to appear in court today for a bond hearing.

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