Houston DL Chidozie Nwankwo Suspended After Arrest on Assault Charge

The Houston football program has suspended freshman defensive lineman Chidozie Nwankwo after he was charged with assault/impeding breathing, per ABC13.com.

"We are aware of the serious allegations regarding Chidozie Nwankwo," the Houston athletic department said in a statement. "He has been suspended from the Houston football program, pending further information. We will have no further comment regarding this specific case."

On Jan. 28, Nwankwo's girlfriend told campus police he had choked her during an argument at his apartment. Nwankwo told authorities that a verbal confrontation occurred, though he didn't admit to any physical altercation. Charges were filed on Feb. 3.

According to court documents (via Click2Houston.com), the dispute began after the woman asked Nwankwo to help her with her hair. She told police she attempted to pack up her things and leave during the argument and Nwankwo threatened to hit her. She said he then held her by the throat and "squeezed," making her "gasp for air."

She said he slapped her and held her neck while he pushed her face into a mattress. 

He has been released on a $5,000 bond, with the stipulation that he is not permitted to come within 200 feet of the woman or contact her as part of an emergency order against him.