Oregon WR Messiah Hampton arrested on felony charges tied to Oct. 18 police chase
Oregon freshman wide receiver Messiah Hampton was arrested and booked Friday in Springfield, Oregon, in connection with a high-speed pursuit that took place on October 18, according to OregonLive. He reportedly faces two felony counts related to fleeing law enforcement and a misdemeanor count for reckless driving, and was released from custody the same day. Springfield Police identified Hampton as the driver of one of two vehicles that evaded officers that night, while the driver of the second vehicle remains unidentified, according to deputy chief George Crolly. The October 18 incident is the same night teammate Evan Stewart was arrested on a DUII charge, though Stewart and tight end Jamari Johnson — who was cited for speeding that evening — are not considered suspects in the eluding case.
We are still working to identify the driver of the other vehicle.
Why it matters
For coaches: Dan Lanning faces growing scrutiny as a third Oregon player is now linked to the same October 18 incident.
For athletes: Hampton's arrest on felony charges puts his eligibility and playing status at Oregon in immediate jeopardy.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports
Sources
- Yahoo Sports · Jack Baer: Oregon WR Messiah Hampton reportedly arrested over high-speed police chase
- Yahoo Sports: Oregon’s Messiah Hampton arrested Friday, facing 2 felony charges
- The Athletic: Oregon wide receiver Messiah Hampton accused of evading police in high-speed chase