Shai McKenzie, Virginia Tech RB, Suspended for Charges Involving Minors
Virginia Tech running back Shai McKenzie faces an indefinite suspension following an arrest on two Class 1 misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of minors.
Cameron Austin of The Roanoke Times (h/t CBSSports.com's Jerry Hinnen) reported the news Wednesday, including comments from Hokies athletic director Whit Babcock:
"We are aware of the situation and misdemeanor arrest. We take these matters seriously. Coach [Frank] Beamer has suspended Shai indefinitely from all team related activities as of yesterday. It's in the hands of the proper authorities and we will respect the process.
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Although the investigation is still unfolding, Austin's story adds key details regarding the incident, which involves McKenzie, 18-year-old Virginia Tech student Devin Gavion and two minor females:
"Police obtained a warrant for McKenzie and Gavion's DNA on Feb. 27 after two girls, one 15 years old and another 14, met two adult males using social media, who they later identified as McKenzie and Gavion. The warrant states that an investigation included information that the group met at a home in Christiansburg "and it was revealed" they "had sexual intercourse" between Feb. 11 and Feb. 15. Four condoms were also recovered from the residence, according to the warrant.
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Gavion has been arrested on two counts: contributing to the delinquency of a minor in addition to a felony carnal knowledge charge. He is being held Western Virginia Regional Jail.
This off-field incident further clouds McKenzie's future on the gridiron. After tearing his right ACL during his senior year of high school, McKenzie suffered the same injury as a college freshman in 2014.
Before going down for the year, the rising sophomore ball-carrier fared well in his limited action. McKenzie, 19, registered 269 yards rushing on 63 carries (5.1 average) with three touchdowns in five games played.
