New Mexico senior linebacker Evahelotu Tohi, the team’s leading tackler, has been suspended from after being involved in a fight that left teammate David Brown hospitalized.
Brown, also a linebacker, reportedly hit at least twice by Tohi in an altercation at a party, and spent five days in a hospital.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, “Brown suffered internal bleeding on the right side of his brain” as a result of the blows.
Marissa Brown, Brown’s mother, said in the Albuquerque Police Department report that was filed early Sunday morning.
“I was made aware of an incident that happened Saturday night involving two of our student-athletes,” head coach Bob Davie said in a statement. “Although all the details are still being gathered, I think it’s appropriate at this time to suspend Evah Tohi from all team activities. The University will continue to work through proper procedures and once the process is completed, appropriate action will be taken.”
No charges have been filed as of yet as Brown, who was released from the hospital on Thursday after a five-day stay, has refused to cooperate with police investigating the incident.
Tohi has 57 tackles this season to lead the Lobos and in last Saturday’s loss to Utah State, he recovered a fumble for a touchdown.
