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PD: ASU rugby player arrested for assaulting UA player during match

Posted at 12:03 PM, Mar 06, 2017
and last updated 2017-03-06 20:46:34-05

An Arizona State University rugby player has been arrested for assaulting a University of Arizona player during their match on February 25, KGUN9 sister station KNXV reports.

During a break in the action, 20-year-old Christopher Crawford allegedly kicked UofA center Douglas Neary in the face while he was tying his shoe, causing facial fractures, ASU Police reported.

Neary required surgery after being knocked unconscious and suffering a concussion and several broken bones, officials said.

Police requested Crawford come into their headquarters, but he refused, allegedly telling police he "was not going to come in and (police) were not going to find him."

Police say after three days, Crawford did self-surrender, but was unremorseful, saying he "was not sorry, and was acting in self-defense."

Crawford alleges that he was punched by the victim earlier in the match. Police reviewed video of the game and said they observed a shove but no punch by Neary.

Police say there was also a video of the kicking incident, which shows the victim on all fours, tying his shoe, when he was kicked. After the incident, Crawford allegedly left the field and changed clothes even before being ejected from the game. 

Crawford has been charged with aggravated assault.