IU freshman defensive lineman Jerome Johnson, 18, was cited for illegal possession and consumption Saturday.
Resident assistant staff at Briscoe Quad found Johnson passed out and unresponsive on a stairwell landing between the third and fourth floor, IU Police Department Lt. Craig Munroe said. The staff called IUPD about an unconscious male subject at 1:40 a.m.
Johnson was alone with the RA staff when officers arrived. Once EMTs arrived, he was transported to IU Health Bloomington Hospital, where he later received the citation.
"We are aware of the situation," the IU Athletics Department said in a statement. "We will continue to monitor it as details become available and will take appropriate action."
Johnson’s BAC was not made available. Munroe said Johnson was cited for both illegal possession and consumption, because if someone under 21 years of age consumes an alcoholic beverage, they are in possession of that beverage even if it’s not in their hand.
Johnson, from Bassfield High School in Bassfield, Mississippi, did not appear in IU’s season opener in Miami against Florida International. Johnson was a three-star recruit out of high school.
Before kickoff, six IU players were suspended, five for the game and one indefinitely. Jake Attar, Simmie Cobbs Jr., Chase Dutra, Ralph Green III and Noel Padmore served a one-game suspension for last Thursday’s game at Florida International for “not living up to their responsibilities to the program at different times since the conclusion of the 2015 season.” Cornerback Wesley Green is suspended indefinitely.
Jordan Guskey
