College QB Beaten Up By Opposing Players Day Before Game [Update]

Rudy Johnson, quarterback for D-II Winston-Salem State, was reportedly assaulted and hospitalized by five members of the Virginia State team this afternoon, according to the

WSSU and Virginia State face off tomorrow in the CIAA conference championship game. Today the conference held a banquet to celebrate the season, as well as honor the all-CIAA team, to which Johnson was named first-team quarterback. The junior is 9-0 as a starter since taking over the job in the second game of the season.

According to the Journal, the fight broke out in a bathroom, and Johnson was attacked by five Virginia State players. He was taken to the hospital, and later released. Neither school is commenting officially on something that happened just hours ago.

"We don't know a lot of what happened but we do know our starting quarterback, Rudy Johnson, was beaten up," said Chancellor Donald Reaves of WSSU, "and he didn't beat himself up."

Update, 7:40 p.m: Tomorrow's CIAA championship game has been canceled, and Lamont Brit, a Virginia State junior running back, has been arrested and charged with charged with misdemeanor assault inflicting serious injury. According to the arrest warrant, Johnson suffered a swollen eye and a laceration.

A statement from WSSU's chancellor:

"I am saddened to report that at today's CIAA pre-championship game luncheon held at the Anderson Center of the WSSU campus that our starting quarterback, Rudy Johnson, was viciously beaten by one or more members of the Virginia State football team. There is no excuse for the behavior of the Virginia State players. One suspect has admitted to his role in the attack and has been arrest on criminal assault charges. The University Police Department is attempting to identify the other VSU players who were involved. Today's event was supposed to be a celebration for both teams and for all the players who were being recognized for an outstanding season. The actions from the Virginia State players certainly changed the outcome for everyone."