By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Two Bowling Green State University football coaching staff members were cited for assault over the weekend after getting into a bar brawl when they reportedly refused to leave at closing time.
As a result, one of the coaches has been placed on administrative leave.
Marcus White, 34, from Alabama, and Kenneth Williams II, 23, from Texas, were cited after the staff at Liquid bar, 238 N. Main St., called Bowling Green police for help Sunday at 2:22 a.m.
According to BG Police Major Justin White, the report from the incident said Marcus White and Williams were reportedly refusing to leave the bar at closing time, so the bar staff attempted to escort them out.
“They became belligerent with bar staff,” Justin White said.
Marcus White allegedly punched one employee in the face, breaking his glasses. Williams reportedly punched another employee twice in the face, busting his lip.
Marcus White reportedly told police that he felt the bar staff was being aggressive and wasn’t giving him enough time to leave the bar. Neither he nor Williams were taken to jail.
Marcus White is the football co-defensive coordinator, and Williams is a graduate assistant football offense coach.
Two other members of the BGSU football coaching staff were also present at the incident, but reportedly did not get involved in the fight. Nicholas Young, a football recruiting coordinator, did have a split lip, but said he was unsure how it occurred. Eddie Benavidez, a graduate assistant defense coach, was also present but not involved in the altercation, according to the police report.
When contacted about the incident, Bowling Green State University officials released the following statement.
“Bowling Green State University has high expectations for its employees, at work, and in the community. We are aware of the weekend incident involving Department of Athletics staff and are reviewing the facts. Pending the outcome of our investigation, coach Marcus White has been placed on administrative leave. Graduate Assistant Kenneth Williams is a student and will be treated accordingly.”
When asked for more specifics about Williams, BGSU spokesperson Dave Kielmeyer said Williams will be going through the BGSU student conduct process and may be held accountable under the code of student conduct.
