U defensive back faces charges after fracas outside pizza parlor

Michael Carter is accused of underage drinking and resisting arrest. His team status is unclear.

Staff Reports

Last update: November 3, 2009 - 2:23 PM

Gophers freshman defensive back Michael Carter was arrested and jailed early Monday after being charged with obstructing the legal process and consumption by a minor. Carter was released on bail at 4 a.m., approximately four hours after being arrested, and has a Nov. 16 court hearing.

Minnesota Athletic Director Joel Maturi said Monday afternoon that he was still gathering information on Carter's arrest and had no comment about possible disciplinary action.

Carter, a cousin of former Gophers All-America defensive back Tyrone Carter, has played extensively as a fifth defensive back this season, and replaced starter Traye Simmons in the second half of Saturday's victory over Michigan State. Coach Tim Brewster couldn't be reached for comment.

According to the University of Minnesota police report, Carter, 18, and Gophers teammate Kenny Watkins, 18, a freshman defensive back, were observed trying to pick a fight with two other males outside of Mesa Pizza just before midnight Sunday. Carter was seen removing his coat and throwing it on the ground, then raising both fists in a fighting stance, the report said. Watkins then raised his fists.

The other two males appeared to be afraid, and kept walking as Carter and Watkins attempted to surround them, according to the police report. The other males kept walking, and Carter and Watkins eventually turned and went inside Mesa Pizza. The officer at the scene interviewed the other two males, who said Carter and Watkins were attempting to pick a fight with them.

The officer requested back-up, and when another officer arrived both went inside Mesa Pizza and took the two players outside. Watkins complied with instructions for a pat search, but Carter refused to put his hands on a wall, and when an officer grabbed his arm, attempting to throw him to the ground, Carter spun around. Both officers then attempted to get control of Carter, who continued to resist the officers even as several additional Gophers football players came outside and yelled at him to stop.

One of the officers removed a taser gun and pointed it at Carter's chest, according to the report. The player was ultimately wrestled to the ground, handcuffed and taken to the Hennepin County jail.

Carter was given a PBT test for alcohol, and registered .055. Watkins was not charged.

Staff writers Dennis Brackin and Myron Medcalf contributed to this report.

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