DaVonte' Neal

2022 - 6 - 3

Post cover — Image courtesy of "The Guardian"

Idaho State assistant football coach DaVonte' Neal charged with ... (The Guardian)

Idaho State assistant football coach DaVonte' Neal has been arrested on suspicion of killing a man in Arizona and the school intends to end his contract.

“The news of DaVonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock. “I have been in constant contact with (ISU head coach Charlie Ragle) who has known DaVonte’ for many years and never had any knowledge or suspicion of a possible crime of any kind,” Athletic Director Pauline Thiros told the newspaper. The shooting happened in a busy commercial area along Interstate 10 about eight miles (13km) south of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

Idaho State assistant football coach DaVonte' Neal charged with ... (CBS News)

Prosecutors say Davonte Neal killed a man in a drive-by shooting near Phoenix in November 2017. The school says it's terminating his contract.

"All Idaho State employees are required to undergo a criminal background check before employment," ISU said. "I have been in constant contact with (ISU head coach Charlie Ragle) who has known DaVonte' for many years and never had any knowledge or suspicion of a possible crime of any kind," Athletic Director Pauline Thiros told the newspaper. He did not resist, The Idaho State Journal reported.

Idaho State assistant DaVonte' Neal faces felony first-degree murder ... (The Athletic)

Idaho State has placed Neal on leave and has initiated proceedings to terminate the assistant coach's employment.

I coached him in college. ... I pray for all the families that this has affected." "I coached him in high school. The news is devastating, and we hope for a resolution for all involved.” “The news of DaVonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock. Per Idaho State, Neal's criminal background check, a requirement for all new employees, was clear and he was approved for employment.

Idaho State assistant coach DaVonte' Neal charged with first-degree ... (The Comeback)

DaVonte' Neal, a former Arizona player, joined the Idaho State Bengals in January as an assistant coach. He's now been charged with murder.

So it makes some sense that he brought in someone he knew well from both the high school and college ranks. Ragle, who took over as Idaho State’s head coach in December, coached Neal in high school as the head coach at Chaparral High School (Scottsdale, AZ), a role he held from 2007-11. Greg Woods of The Idaho State Journal has more on Neal’s arrest and charges, and how Idaho State is ending his contract:

Idaho State Assistant Coach Davonte' Neal Charged with First ... (balleralert.com)

An Idaho state assistant coach was charged with first-degree murder in connection to a murder in Arizona back in 2017.

“The news of Davonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock. The news is devastating, and we hope for resolution for all involved.” Davonte’ Neal was arrested on May 25.

Idaho State University's assistant coach charged with first degree ... (AS English)

Having been arrested and charged in connection with a 2017 incident, the school's shocked staff can only sit and wait for the terrible scenario to unfold.

Prior to the move Neal had been coaching as a high school assistant in Gilbert, Arizona. Neal is alleged to have been involved in an incident for which he was arrested in Arizona back in 2017. Neal was arrested without any incident and is currently awaiting extradition back to Arizona.

Former Football Star Arrested On A Murder Charge. Here's What We ... (The Daily Caller)

Former Arizona football player DaVonte' Neal has been arrested on a murder charge. He is facing a first-degree murder charge in connection with a 2017 ...

The justice system will have to figure out whether Neal is guilty and he’ll have his time in court. — Greg Woods (@GregWWoods)June 2, 2022 — Greg Woods (@GregWWoods)June 2, 2022