STARKVILLE — Mississippi State University junior wide receiver Chad Bumphis was arrested early Sunday morning in his hometown of Tupelo and charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Sunday morning to The Dispatch that Bumphis’ arrest occurred at 1:31 a.m. in the city proper of Tupelo, and that Bumphis was released nearly an hour later after being booked on the charges.
Bumphis, 22, has one year of eligibility left at MSU. He is scheduled to appear Jan. 12 at the Lee County Courthouse.
MSU coach Dan Mullen is aware of the situation but has declined to speak publicly about the matter.
MSU football team spokesperson Joe Galbraith released this statement to the media after Bumphis’ arrest, saying the school, athletic department, and football program will follow the normal procedure following the incident.
“We will handle this the way we would any other incident, especially a situation where there are differing accounts,” Galbraith said. “The team is expected back next Sunday, classes begin Monday, and we will continue to assess the situation.”
Bumphis, who was one of the first recruits Mullen signed after accepting becoming the school’s football coach, led the Bulldogs in catches in each of his first two seasons. He had 24 catches (third on the team) for 342 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Shortly after being released from jail, Bumphis took out his frustrations about the incident on his Twitter page, @ImSo_BalisMade1, Sunday morning.
“I’m putting on for y’all and still got haters n my own city,” Bumphis tweeted. “It’s crazy how life works. Hey. Imma continue to do me and live my life the way I know best. Either u with me or against me. Either way I thank you!!”
Bumphis had had one catch for minus-3 yards and two rushes for minus-4 yards in a 23-17 victory against Wake Forest on Dec. 30 in the 2011 Music City Bowl. He also later used Twitter in an attempt to explain his side of the incident.
“I do want the bulldog nation to know I did nothing wrong,” Bumphis tweeted. “I’m taking picture with fans and apparently it make people mad. Im taking pictures with fans an get attacked with bottles. Ask anyone who was there, they know! But its all good. Ill bounce back!!”
Ballard accepts invitation to Senior Bowl
MSU running back Vick Ballard accepted an invitation Sunday to play in the Senior Bowl at 3 p.m. Jan. 28 (NFL Network) at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Ala.
The appearance will give Ballard, a transfer from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, a chance to impress NFL scouts who will attend practices and who will be at the game.
Ballard closed his collegiate career in style Friday night, rushing for a career-high 180 yards and earning MVP honors in a 23-17 victory against Wake Forest in the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn. The Pascagoula native scored on runs of 60 and 72 yards.
“I was never a guy that was highly recruited, so I want to show I can play with the best,” Ballard said Saturday when asked what he hopes to prove in the Senior Bowl.
Ballard is 10th on the school’s all-time rushing list with 2,157 yards in 24 games. He is second in school history with 31 touchdowns.
“Mississippi State has always been well-represented in the Senior Bowl, and we’re excited Vick will carry on that legacy,” Senior Bowl President Steve Hale said. “What he’s been able to accomplish in just two short years at Mississippi State is very impressive.”
The 5-foot-10, 220-pound tailback rushed for 1,189 yards and 10 touchdowns this season. He completed the regular season ranked fourth in the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards per game and was a second-team All-SEC pick by The Associated Press.
Former MSU player to attend ICC next year
Former MSU safety Asian Ruff was added to Itawamba C.C.’s 2012 roster Monday.
Ruff , who redshirted after helping lead Itawamba Agricultural High School (13-1) to the Class 4A North State title game in 2009, didn’t play for MSU this season. He was ranked the No. 25 prospect in Mississippi coming out of high school.
“He brings a lot to the table being a highly athletic player with big-time play-making ability on both sides of the ball,” ICC coach Jon Williams said.
Ruff had an interception return for 17 yards in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic.
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