ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, April 14, 1996 TAG: 9604150109
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: LISA GARCIA STAFF WRITER
Jim Druckenmiller Jr., better known for throwing record-setting football passes for Virginia Tech, was charged by town police Saturday for throwing punches in a fight.
Police arrested the 23-year-old quarterback for malicious wounding in relation to an investigation into a March 21 fight outside of Top of the Stairs on College Avenue. The fight left one man with two black eyes and a broken nose and another man with fractures around his eye, police said.
Druckenmiller posted a $5,000 secured bond, and his arraignment is Monday.
George DelRicco, former Tech linebacker, was arrested last month and charged with assault and battery in connection with the fight. Christopher J. Bishock, 25, of Blacksburg was arrested at the same time and charged with malicious wounding.
Police said the fight broke out after a shouting match erupted between DelRicco, Bishock, Druckenmiller and four other people leaving the bar about 1:30 a.m.
Shawn D. Elko, a 20-year-old Tech student, was jumped from behind, punched and kicked repeatedly, according to police. His friend, Jesse Phillips, also a Tech student, was attacked when he tried to break up the fight, police said.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound Druckenmiller led the Hokies to a 28-10 Sugar Bowl win over Texas on New Year's Eve. His records before the bowl game included 14 touchdown passes, the most by any Hokies quarterback in his first year as a starter; more than 2,000 yards passing (2,103); and more complete passes of 70 yards or more (three) in a season than any other Tech quarterback on record.
Tech football coach Frank Beamer gave the following statement regarding Druckenmiller's arrest:
``I met 10 days ago with Jim Druckenmiller regarding his involvement in this case, which has been headlined by the media for a good number of weeks. The talk with Jim convinced me that he should take some responsibility in the incident. He has been punished accordingly within our football ranks.
``Now we will wait until court procedures are resolved. It should be pointed out that just because a person has been charged with an offense that does not necessarily mean he or she is guilty.''
LENGTH: Short : 47 linesby CNB