SRU awaits hearing for player
SLIPPERY ROCK — Despite multiple charges filed against Slippery Rock University running back Akeem Satterfield, no disciplinary action has been taken yet by the university.
“We don’t want to overreact or underreact until we know everything about this,” SRU football coach George Mihalik said. “We’ll see what happens at the hearing and go from there.”
The sophomore was arrested shortly after a fight broke out at about 1:45 a.m. Sunday after a dance at the University Union.
SRU police working in the union’s multipurpose room tried to break up a fight between Satterfield and another man. Satterfield eventually was tasered and has been arraigned on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, simple assault, disorderly conduct, underage drinking and public drunkenness, the Eagle reported Monday.
“Obviously, those are serious charges and they are to be taken seriously. But I can tell you ... that’s not Akeem. That’s not Akeem at all,” Mihalik said.
Satterfield’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday. Mihalik was to speak with Satterfield Monday afternoon.
Satterfield, 20, was placed in Butler County Prison Sunday, but was released on bail that night.
“We just don’t want to make any decisions on this until the situation plays itself out,” Mihalik said. “Some of these charges may be dropped, maybe not.
“We won’t make any judgments until the proper time.”
SRU athletic director Paul Lueken said the university has “written policies and procedures on matters like this.
“We’ll take the appropriate disciplinary action based on the severity,” he said. “He was involved in some sort of altercation and we’re disappointed about that. Right now, the charges are preliminary. We’ll see what sticks, so to speak, and go from there.”
Lueken said Satterfield’s status as a high-profile athlete will not affect any administrative decision.
“We treat every student the same,” he said.
Satterfield rushed for 1,352 yards and 20 touchdowns this season — including a season-high 271 yards and four touchdowns in the season finale against C.W. Post Nov. 13.
His 20 touchdowns were one shy of SRU’s single season record of 21, set by LaMonte Coleman in 1994.
Satterfield, who is majoring in criminal justice, was named to the All-PSAC second team in 2010.
