West Virginia Head Coach Rich Rodriguez released a statement in response to the arrest of running backs coach and analyst Noel Devine. More details have emerged in a criminal complaint. Read more: Noel Devine placed on indefinite leave following strangulation charge, other new case details.
Rodriguez released the following statement regarding the situation;
“Upon receiving information of the arrest, I have immediately and indefinitely put Noel Devine on leave from the Mountaineer football coaching staff. Any future decision on his status will be determined after more information becomes available.”
Here is everything known so far.
Saturday situation
A criminal complaint alleges a deputy with Morgantown Police Department responded to High Street to assist paramedics with an alcohol overdose. Deputies said a woman approached them saying she was a victim in a “domestic situation.”
The alleged victim said she was at Kegler’s Sports Bar with friends when Devine, who she said she had been in a relationship with for roughly a year, was repeatedly calling and texting her, and she was not responding.
The complaint revealed Devine went to the bar since he had her location via phone, asked her to come outside, and eventually went inside to get her.
Following that, the complaint showed Devine allegedly pushed her against the car before throwing her in the back seat. Then, it said he hopped on top and put his hands around her neck, in addition to slapping her.
It said he also forced the victim back into the vehicle as she tried to escape, before she eventually got out while her friends approached the vehicle.
A report from WBOY cites Kegler’s surveillance footage supports the claim.
Immediate aftermath
The deputy said they could not spot external markings on the victim’s neck, but that it is common for those to not appear immediately.
The victim went to Ruby Memorial Hospital under her own power, but experienced symptoms related to strangulation (headache, vomiting). According to the criminal complaint, Devine tracked the victim to the hospital and staff there had to alert police he was trying to get in.
Devine was arrested at a nearby gas station.
He is being held at North Central Regional Jail for strangulation, with bond set at $40,000.
Stay up to date with WV Sports Nation as the situation with the WVU Sports Hall of Famer unfolds.
