FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas linebacker Tyler Gilbert has been suspended indefinitely after being arrested and charged with aggravated residential burglary and theft of property on Tuesday.
The suspension was issued by assistant head coach Taver Johnson, who is in charge of the program after Bobby Petrino was fired April 10.
Gilbert, 20, was arrested after kicking in the front door of a Fayetteville apartment with two other men last Friday, according to a preliminary report from the Fayetteville Police Department. Gilbert, Jesse Booker and Ryan Graves then stole items totaling $285 from the victim, Mbato Nkwocha, who told police all three were in the same fraternity.
Nkwocha also said he was struck in the face with a crowbar during an altercation with Booker, who also punched him with both fists. Nkwocha said Gilbert was standing right next to him during the altercation, but “things happened so fast” and didn’t know if Gilbert had punched him or not, according to the report.
The three stole a wooden plaque with the words “Greek Man of the Year,” a 6×10 Omega Psi Phi banner, a camouflage vest, a camouflage military style “boonie hat,” a military style “patrol cap,” gold military style boots, a plastic “Jason” hockey mask, two gold dog collars, a Mardi Gras style chain and $80, according to the report.
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Kkwocha told police he felt in danger because Booker was “crazy like that,” but added it was uncharacteristic of Gilbert and Graves. The victim told police he thought Booker had “brainwashed them,” according to the preliminary report.
Gilbert was arrested at 9:45 on Tuesday morning and booked into the Washington County Detention Center at 11:19 a.m. Gilbert was released at 4:27 p.m. after posting $10,000 bond.
Graves was booked into jail at 2:08 p.m. on Monday and released Tuesday at 1:17 p.m. after posting $5,000 bond. Booker had not been arrested as of Tuesday afternoon, according to a spokesperson.
Daniel J. Pugh, who is the vice provost and dean of students at Arkansas, said the matter is being reviewed “for possible violations of the code of student life.” Pugh also added: “Given some of the allegations of it, having a Greek relation, Greek Life will work with the advisors here locally and notify the national office.”
Gilbert became the third Arkansas player arrested this spring — the second on felony charges.
Arkansas offensive tackle Jason Peacock was arrested on a felony theft of property charge in March. He has a trial date set for June 18.
Wide receiver Kane Whitehurst was arrested on April 1 and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. His court date is set for April 30.