TCU defensive end, the Big 12 preseason defensive player of the year, has been removed from the school in the wake of a police investigation.
"Devonte Fields has been separated from the University pending results of an investigation into the allegations against him," the school said in a statement. "The University does not tolerate harassment or misconduct by a student. The university discipline process will be implemented which may result in disciplinary action from the University above and beyond any legal consequences the student might face."
Fort Worth police are investigating whether Fields pointed a gun at his former girlfriend and punched her in the head. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Haley Brown had a swollen right cheek and cut under her eye when she was seen by police early Sunday morning. No charges have been filed against Fields and he has not been arrested.
The 6-4, 250-pound Fields was the Big 12 defensive player of the year as a freshman but played in just three games in 2013. He was suspended for the violating university and team policy to start the season and then suffered a foot injury that led to surgery and a medical redshirt.
TCU head coach Gary Patterson talked about Fields like an unknown commodity Monday at Big 12 media days in Dallas.
"I haven't watched him since you watched him," Patterson said. "So the key to us, we were still one of the top two defenses over two years without him. If he's able to play and do the things he needs to do, then obviously I think we'll have a chance to be better anytime you have that kind of player."
