A former Boise State defensive tackle was reportedly kicked off the team for biting off part of a teammate's ear. Dereck Boles, a sophomore, was kicked off the team in February and arrested May 9 because of the incident, The Idaho Statesman reported.
A warrant was issued April 4 for Boles' arrest. He faces a felony mayhem charge and up to 14 years in state prison.
The incident reportedly occurred during a fight with a teammate at an East End house. Boles was cited for "biting him on the ear and tearing a portion of it off." The player who was bitten, whose identity is not known, was treated at a local hospital.
Boles was released from jail Sunday in Polk County, Fla., where he resides. He will go on trial in Idaho soon, with the date to be determined.
According to Idaho statutes, mayhem is described as "Every person who unlawfully and maliciously deprives a human being of a member of his body, or disables, disfigures or renders it useless, or cuts out or disables the tongue, puts out an eye, slits the nose, ear or lip, is guilty of mayhem."
Boise State athletic director Curt Apsey released a statement that said almost nothing about the incident itself: "Our coaches hold our student-athletes to high standards as representatives of our teams, the University and the community. We educate student-athletes to make good decisions and treat all people with dignity and respect. This is part of our culture, and those who do not meet these standards will face consequences for their actions, including potentially losing the opportunity to compete for Boise State."
Boles had 10 tackles and one sack this year. He did not play in the Poinsettia Bowl.
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