Kansas University football player Bruce Ringwood was arrested Sunday night in Kansas City, Mo., and charged with two counts of assault after allegedly scuffling with a husband and wife at a country-music concert.
The alleged incident took place during a Kenny Chesney show at Kemper Arena. According to the police report, Ringwood allegedly punched 46-year old Terry Hendren repeatedly after making an obscene gesture to his wife, Kathy, also 46.
A football team spokesperson said KU coach Mark Mangino would handle the matter internally. Mangino was not made available to reporters Wednesday after KU’s fan-appreciation day. Ringwood was not present at the practice.
Associate athletic director Jim Marchiony declined comment, other than to say, “We’re aware of the incident and are gathering information.”
Police say the incident started when Ringwood, 20, bumped into Kathy Hendren, who was in front of him. After she asked him to stop, Terry Hendren said Ringwood made an obscene gesture toward his wife. After Terry told Ringwood to apologize, the report states that Ringwood attacked Terry Hendren “repeatedly with closed fists,” causing a cut and bleeding to his forehead.
Kathy Hendren said Ringwood also punched her in the face and pushed her down the concrete stairs at Kemper during the scuffle. She appeared on a Kansas City television station Wednesday with a noticeable black eye. The Hendrens were treated at the first-aid office at Kemper.
Kathy Hendren returned a call from the Journal-World Wednesday evening but did not recount her version of the incident.
“I’m tired of talking about it,” she said. “I hurt, and I’m tired. I just want to go to bed.”
Ringwood admitted to police that he had been drinking that night. He reportedly is due back in court in October.
A red-shirt sophomore, Ringwood was listed on the most recent depth chart as the backup fullback, behind Lawrence High product Brandon McAnderson. He was recruited to KU from Blue Springs (Mo.) High as a linebacker after leading the Wildcats to the Missouri Class 5A state title in 2001.
During Wednesday’s short scrimmage at Memorial Stadium, McAnderson worked at fullback with the first team, while Cullen Homolka, a senior, was with the second team.
