Football players receive reprimand

Chris Thompson
DM Editor

Freshman quarterback Eli Manning and teammate Justin Wade, who were both arrested and charged with public drunkeness and disorderly conduct last weekend, have received a public scolding from Rebel head coach David Cutcliffe.

"Apparently two of our players, Eli Manning and Justin Wade, have used poor judgment at a party over the weekend," Cutcliffe said in a public statement on Thursday. "Disciplinary action will be taken as an internal team matter, and we will move forward."

Cutcliffe said he doesn't condone the two players' behavior but believes they will learn from the incident.

"I know these young men regret their actions, and we will take steps to ensure they have learned from their mistakes," he said.

According to Michael Eaves, a sports anchor for ABC Channel 24 in Memphis, Manning and Wade were arrested around midnight Saturday by university police, who held the two in custody for about three hours.

According to court records, the two players will make an initial appearance in justice court on Feb. 8. Wade, a redshirt freshman linebacker for the Rebels, also faces a charge for possession of liquor by a minor.

If found guilty, Manning and Wade could face fines of about $150 for each charge.

The University Police Department would not release any additional information about the arrests or provide copies of the incident or arrest reports.

Manning, who is the son of former Ole Miss and New Orleans Saints quarterback Archie Manning and the brother of former Tennessee star Peyton Manning, would not comment on the charges when contacted by phone Wednesday night.