Kansas Universitiy running back John Randle, who was arrested early Sunday morning after allegedly striking another man outside a downtown Lawrence bar and was formally charged this afternoon with misdemeanor battery, has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules.
“We will continue to support and help John in any way we possibly can,” KU head coach Mark Mangino said. “We have encouraged him to continue his education at KU. If he decides to do so, we will honor his scholarship.”
Randle, 20, was ordered to appear at 1:30 p.m. April 14 before Judge Paula Martin in Douglas County District Court.
Randle allegedly struck a 21-year-old Lawrence man at 1:51 a.m. Sunday in front of It’s Brothers Bar & Grill, 1105 Mass.
The victim was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital to be treated for nose and cheek injuries, Lawrence police said. The blow was witnessed by a Lawrence police officer who was on duty in the area. That officer arrested Randle without incident, police said.
Randle had been in jail since early Sunday morning.
Judge Pro Tem Peggy Kittel set a cash bond of $1,000 for Randle.
Randle’s arrest coincided with the start of spring practice for the football team.
Randle was arrested in a domestic battery incident in November 2003, but the Douglas County District Attorney’s Office decided not to file charges after reviewing the case. In April 2004 Randle was ordered by a Lawrence Municipal Court judge to serve two days in jail for attempted theft, disorderly conduct and having a fake driver’s license. The charges stemmed from earlier incidents outside a downtown dance hall and at a convenience store.
