After eight days in custody, suspended Minnesota Gophers basketball player Daquein McNeil posted bail and was released from jail ahead of a court appearance next month on charges that he whipped and choked his former girlfriend last week in Minneapolis.
U basketball player accused of attacking ex-girlfriend released from jail
McNeil was released from the Hennepin County jail about 11 p.m. Tuesday after putting up $3,000 bond and agreeing to conditions to satisfy his $30,000 bail.
He had been incarcerated since the afternoon of Nov. 24, the day of the alleged attacks on the 28-year-old woman in her apartment.
Conditions of his release include staying away from the woman, remaining law-abiding, staying in contact with probation officials and making all future court appearances.
McNeil, who was in jail for Thanksgiving and for his 21st birthday Friday, appeared in court Monday and didn't enter a plea. Defense lawyer F. Clayton Tyler said McNeil will plead not guilty.
The sophomore guard from Baltimore faces two charges from separate attacks in one day. He allegedly choked his former girlfriend and returned to whip her with a leather belt.
University Athletic Director Norwood Teague said in a statement after charges were filed that McNeil "will remain suspended from all team-related activities" during the legal process. University President Eric Kaler, also in a statement, said he supported the suspension.
The conduct code affords the university the right to suspend or expel a student without having the legal system reach a conclusion. Tyler said that McNeil has a 13-credit load this semester and remains in school.
"He's getting back into a normal routine other than basketball," Tyler said Wednesday.
Staff writer Rochelle Olson contributed to this report. Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482
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