The Spectator The independent student newspaper of Valdosta State University
Valdosta State University quarterback Kellen Lewis was arrested by the City of Valdosta Police Department on Tuesday October 13th and was charged with 1 count of misdemeanor battery after an altercation that took place.
The arrest for the Lewis came one day after Lewis was named GSC offensive player of the week for his team leading performance in the Blazers win over Henderson State. Lewis was held and released on bail on Wednesday morning. However, the charges are still pending according to a source at the Lowndes County Sheriff’s office as of late Wednesday afternoon.
The VSU Athletic Office said in an official statement that all factors are being evaluated and Kellen Lewis is still part of the football program and the athletic department.
Herb Reinhard, VSU’s athletic director, released this official statement after the arrest:
“Coach Dean and I[Herb Reinhard] are carefully evaluating all the factors, circumstances and information we have available in regards to the situation and will make any decisions based on that information. Kellen is a member of our football program and the athletic department at this time has not taken any action in regards to his ability to participate. We are again carefully evaluating all the information we have and will base our decisions on that information.”
Despite the arrest Lewis started for the Blazers last Saturday when the team traveled to Searcy Arkansas to take on Harding University. Lewis led the Blazers with 329 yards passing with 2 touchdowns on the way to a 23-16 Blazer win.
“If I didn’t 100 % stand behind Kellen Lewis I wouldn’t have started him,” said VSU Head Coach David Dean on his weekly radio show. “He’s innocent and that’s why he played.”
Lewis joined the Blazer football team in the offseason when he transferred from Indiana University where he spent his first three years of eligibility. While at Indiana Lewis set 16 school records for the Hoosiers however was dismissed from the team for violating team rules.
Lewis leads the Blazers in passing and rushing yards with 1893 yards passing and 283 yards rushing and a total of 16 touchdowns. Kellen Lewis will start on Thursday night when the Blazers host number 1 ranked North Alabama.
