Colorado QB arrested? QB and lineman face assault charges

Colorado QB arrested: A University of Colorado quarterback was arrested while out with Alexander Lewis, who was a Colorado lineman until Friday, when he announced he was leaving Colorado for Nebraska.

University of Colorado quarterback Jordan Webb and former Colorado offensive lineman Alexander Lewis are facing assault charges after witnesses said another man was knocked unconscious when Lewis shoved his head into a brick wall and both men pushed the victim to the ground and punched him.

According to a Boulder police report obtained by The Daily Camera, Webb and Lewis, both 21, were arrested Saturday on suspicion of second-degree assault. Lewis also faces two counts of harassment.

According to police, the victim, Lee Bussey, 22, was walking back to an apartment with a woman around 3 a.m. Saturday when Bussey and Lewis bumped into each other.

Police say that led to an argument and a shoving match.

A witness told police Lewis repeatedly shoved Bussey into a brick wall, causing his head to hit the wall several times. The witness told police Webb then came and the two men shoved Bussey to the ground and began punching him.

Officials said Bussey had no recollection of the incident and was bleeding from the head. He was taken to Boulder Community Hospital and received stitches.

Lewis told police they had been in Denver celebrating a friend's graduation. He and Webb then took a taxi back to Boulder and were walking home when he bumped into Bussey.

Lewis told police Bussey tried to throw a punch at him but missed, so he shoved him away. He said Bussey got up and tried to throw another punch, so he again shoved him to the ground. Lewis said at no point did Webb ever get involved in the shoving.

Investigators said Lewis told them he drank six glasses of wine, 10 beers, and six shots the night of the fight.

Lewis' attorney, Donald Brenner, said at a hearing Monday that his client was wearing Nebraska Cornhuskers apparel, which may have led to him being "accosted." He added that Lewis only shoved Bussey.

"He might not have handled the situation properly, but he's a kid," Brenner said. "It's a really sad event for a really nice kid."

Meanwhile, Webb's attorney, Lou Rubino, said his client's involvement in the altercation was "non-criminal."

"I believe Mr. Webb will be exonerated," he said. "It's not who he really is. He's been a good kid in high school, at Kansas and at CU."

Webb was Colorado's primary starter last season, throwing for 1,434 yards and eight touchdowns with eight interceptions. He is recovering after tearing his right ACL during spring practice.

Lewis, the starting left guard who announced Friday he was transferring to Nebraska, also was charged with two counts of harassment.

"Once all of the facts come to light, if Jordan is found responsible for any misconduct, he will be disciplined according to team rules," first-year Colorado coach Mike MacIntyre said in a statement. "As for Alex Lewis, as of Friday he was off of the team when he did a media interview and announced that he is transferring to Nebraska. Since he is no longer a Colorado Buffalo, it will be up to Nebraska to decide what discipline he might face."

Prosecutors are expected to formally charge Webb and Lewis on Wednesday.

Information from: Daily Camera, http://www.dailycamera.com/