Brandon Smith, a junior college football player who had committed to Oregon State earlier this month, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, according to ESPN.
A running back at Santa Barbara City College, Smith, 21, was one of four people arrested, per the report.
The alleged incident occurred on June 2 — the same day he announced his commitment to the Beavers — and he was arrested on June 7, the Santa Barbara County sheriff’s office told the outlet.
Officers reportedly responded to a report of a fight near a community pool just hours after Smith’s announcement that he was committing to Oregon State and found a 20-year-old man seriously injured when they arrived.
In addition to suspicion of attempted murder, all four suspects were also arrested on suspicion of robbery and conspiracy.
Smith, a Chicago native, is being held on a $2 million bond.
An Oregon State spokesperson told ESPN that Smith “never signed with the team and will not be part of the program.”
Santa Barbara County deputies believe the suspects and the victim knew each other before the alleged incident.
Smith rushed for 1,231 yards and 16 touchdowns last season as Santa Barbara City finished 10-1, beating College of Desert to win the 2022 Beach Bowl.
Smith was named MVP of the Beach Bowl, rushing for 200 yards and three touchdowns in the 44-23 win.
He also reportedly received interest from Fresno State, Nevada and Hawai’i.
“Corvallis, It’s ShowTime,” Smith tweeted on June 2 to announce his commitment to Oregon State.
Oregon State finished 10-3 last year and finished fifth in the Pac-12 before beating Florida, 30-3, to win the Las Vegas Bowl.
