Cal State Northridge's leading scorer Deon Tresvant, Dallas Rutherford and Jeffrey Braswell, son of coach Bobby Braswell, were arrested after stealing more than $6,600 in merchandise from a Best Buy story on New Year's Day. Jeffrey Braswell works at a Best Buy store and allowed Tresvant and Rutherford to check out merchandise without paying. No word on who was the mastermind of the scheme.Tresvant and Rutherford missed Northridge's 84-81 win over UC Davis on Monday, but coach Braswell originally said that Tresvant was missing the game for "personal reasons." The coach eventually released a statement on Tuesday.
"Obviously I'm disappointed with the circumstances that have taken place with my son Jeffrey and the allegations regarding Deon and Dallas [Rutherford]," Braswell said in a statement released by the school. "At this point, we will allow the judicial process to unfold. As far as my son's involvement, it is a private matter that my family and support system will deal with."
This is a huge blow for Northridge, the favorite to win the Big West this season. And you also have to wonder about the future of coach Brawell, whose teams have had a history of underachieving. The Big West has found itself on the police blotter before, but this is a pretty serious offense. It's hard to imagine that Tresvant, a senior, will be back on the floor this season.
And seriously, how many opposing student sections are going to be wearing Best Buy shirts? That's going to be the hot item to get whenever the Matadors come to town.
Assist: Titan Central
