Star LSU safety Jalen Mills, who was suspended indefinitely from the team in May after allegedly punching a woman in the mouth, is back with the Tigers as training camp begins in Baton Rouge.
Jalen Mills returns to LSU team after battery charge reduced
The former freshman All-American was arrested for allegedly punching a woman in the mouth in May.
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Hours earlier, the second degree battery charge Mills had been arrested for was replaced with one for simple battery, a misdemeanor. Mills plans to plead not guilty, according to his attorney.
“We’ll continue to discipline him in house, but he’s back with the team,” said head coach Les Miles after practice. “He was not charged as initially, and so misdemeanor being what it is, we’re moving forward.”
The victim, who notified authorities, stated she was at Mills' apartment complex when she knocked on Mills' door looking for her friend. Mills opened the door then closed it in the victim's face so she knocked again. When no one came to the door the victim walked away down the hall. She stated she heard someone say something to her while walking away and when she turned around Mills punched her in the mouth. She fell to the pavement and was unconscious briefly, according to the report. The victim required 4 stitches in her lip as a result of the attack.
The Mills situation is reminiscent of last season, when Jeremy Hill — already on probation for pressuring a girl into oral sex in high school — was sentenced to extended probation for punching a man outside a night club. Miles was heavily scrutinized for allowing Hill back on the team after just a one-game suspension, claiming it was the right thing to do and leaving the decision up to a team vote.
Mills’ status with the team is still up in the air. A former freshman All-American, he was expected to be one of the key pieces to the LSU defense as a junior this fall.
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