3 Waynesburg University football players charged with assaulting student in dorm

WAYNESBURG, Pa. (KDKA) – Three college football players are facing serious charges in what school officials are calling an altercation on the Waynesburg University campus.

Police say the alleged assault happened in a dorm room in Martin Hall. Teammates say the three football players involved have been kicked off the team.

“I heard about the football players from a few friends of mine,” sophomore Olivia Toth said.

It’s the buzz on campus this week: Three student-athletes on the football team have been charged with multiple crimes, including burglary, harassment and assault, after a fight broke out.

“I was really surprised, because I didn’t expect students at this university to behave this way,” Toth said.

According to the criminal complaint, Ja Shawn Wyckoff, Omari Scott and Deon Windham forced their way into a Martin Hall dorm room over the weekend and attacked another student. The victim, who told police he didn’t know the trio, said Scott punched him multiple times in the head and face, injuring his lip and jaw.

When questioned by police, Windham claimed the fight was over a stolen pair of shoes and a pet fish that had been thrown out of the bowl.

“There should be a punishment for doing this kind of thing,” said sophomore Daiquiri Pase.

“If you do these actions, you will have serious consequences,” Pase added.

According to several football players KDKA-TV spoke with on campus Wednesday, they were informed during a meeting with the head coach that the three players had been kicked off the team.

Although university officials declined to provide further details on the disciplinary action taken, they did issue a statement saying:

“Waynesburg University is aware of the altercation that occurred on campus. These matters are treated very seriously. Our top priority is the health and safety of our campus community and any threats to this, and/or violations of our Student Code of Conduct, will be addressed expeditiously by the university and law enforcement as appropriate.”

“Because this is a Christian university, we really should not tolerate actions like that. Whatever decisions the president makes or whatever enforcement action is involved, it’s the right decision,” Toth said.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for the end of the month, on September 25, for the three accused.