Terps’ Tyler charged with assault after altercation

Terrapins football wide receiver Ronnie Tyler was charged with second-degree assault early yesterday morning, police said last night, before he was later being suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules by coach Randy Edsall.

Shortly after midnight yesterday, a nearby police officer heard a disturbance outside of the 7-Eleven on the 4400 block of Knox Road, according to University Police Spokesman Capt. Marc Limansky.

The officer looked over his shoulder and saw Tyler hit a 33-year-old nonstudent, Limansky said. Tyler saw the officer and quickly fled the scene, but police pursued the man to Allegany Hall, where he was arrested and formally charged, according to Limansky. The man involved in the altercation with Tyler received minor injuries to his nose, Limansky said, but refused medical service.

According to the Maryland state court database, Tyler's court date is set for Nov. 1.

In a press release last night, Edsall stated that Tyler and wide receiver Quintin McCree had been suspended indefinitely for falling short of expectations "to conduct themselves in the proper manner academically, athletically and socially." It is unclear why McCree was suspended, but Limansky said the senior was not involved in Tyler's altercation.

McCree and Tyler had established themselves as the Terps' No. 2 and No. 3 wide receivers, respectively, and combined for 13 catches in the team's season-opening win over Miami.

With no set timetable for their return, the Terps enter tomorrow's game against No. 18 West Virginia dangerously thin at wide receiver. Top wideout Kevin Dorsey and junior Kerry Boykins are experienced veterans, but punt-return specialist Tony Logan is the team's only other wide receiver with a reception in his career.

McCree and Tyler's suspensions mark the second round of suspensions under Edsall this season. Running back D.J. Adams and offensive lineman Cody Blue were also suspended for the team's game against Miami for violating team rules.

roubein@umdbk.com, cwalsh@umdbk.com