Illinois Forward Arrested: Latest Details, Mugshot, More

An Illinois sophomore forward was arrested for felony aggravated assault Thursday night after an incident with a bouncer at a local nightclub.

Mary Schenk of the News-Gazette reported Friday that Leron Black is alleged to have pulled a knife on the security employee and threatened him with it, according to University of Illinois Police Lt. Tom Geis. The encounter happened at the Canopy Club.

Schenk (via Illini HQ) provided the player's mugshot:

The News-Gazette noted Black told police he became upset with how his girlfriend was being treated by security and that he didn't believe his group should have been kicked out of the club. The security employee claimed he brought the knife close to his face.

"(Black) yelled 'I don't have a strap but I'm not afraid to cut somebody,'" Geis said. "Then the security guard said he pulled the knife, opened it and put it within one to two inches of his nose."

The Fighting Illini forward started the leave the area, but he was tracked down by police and complied with their orders after being taken to the ground, according to the report.

Black has appeared in seven games for Illinois this season. He's averaging 3.9 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 42 percent from the field. He hasn't played since early December, however, as he recovers from a knee injury.

Earlier this week, head coach John Groce stated "it's getting late" in terms of trying to get the forward back on the floor this season. The school has yet to comment on his status following the arrest.

The News-Gazette report noted Black is scheduled for a court appearance Friday afternoon. The charge against him is a Class 4 felony and carries a wide range of punishments from probation to one to three years in prison, if convicted.