OU Basketball Player Charged With Felony Assault

A University of Oklahoma men's basketball player has been charged with a felony count of aggravated assault and battery on Wednesday.

According to court documents, a formal charge has been filed against 22-year-old Akolda Manyang.

At about 3:40 a.m. on May 1, Norman police responded to the report of an assault on Campus Corner. The victim, later identified as former OU football player Tyler Evans, told police he had injuries to his face, including swelling, a lacerated lip, and two missing teeth, which he said were knocked out from a punch. 

Evans said he and three others were walking between O'Connell's Irish Pub and Chipotle when Manyang approached them and began to "hit on" one of the women. Evans said he stepped in between the woman and Manyang, and told Manyang that she was not interested.

Evans said Manyang was mumbling something as he walked away. So he told Manyang to, "Chill out, bro." That's when Manyang reportedly punched Evans in the mouth with a closed fist, knocking out his two front teeth. After throwing the punch, Evans said Manyang left with a few others. 

Manyang reportedly denied being involved in the incident. A warrant has been issued for his arrest. 

Three witnesses told police they saw Manyang punch Evans. They said Evans did not provoke or attack Manyang before Manyang punched him.

Manyang appeared in 25 games for the Sooners averaging 2.5 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game in eight minutes per game. The seven-footer would be a key cog among in the post rotation next season with Ryan Spangler graduating.

OU Athletics Department released the following statement, 

"We are aware of the matter and Akolda has been indefinitely suspended from the team."