Tiger facing possible assault charge, Dozier allegedly hit ex-girlfriend

Tiger facing possible assault charge
Dozier allegedly hit ex-girlfriend
By Christopher Conley, Dan Wolken
Wednesday, February 6, 2008

University of Memphis junior forward Robert Dozier could face an assault charge after his ex-girlfriend, Laparis Woods, claimed in a police affidavit that Dozier hit her during an altercation early Sunday morning.

According to a police report, Dozier followed Woods out of the Plush Club at 3:30 a.m. before they both left in their vehicles. Woods told police Dozier followed her to the intersection of Union and Second before they both pulled over. After an argument, Dozier allegedly hit Woods twice in the face with an open hand, causing minor lacerations.

Woods did not immediately call authorities. After learning she had to file a complaint to obtain a protective order, Memphis Police took a simple assault domestic violence report at 2 p.m. Sunday. Woods has not yet pressed charges.

Tigers coach John Calipari said Wednesday through a spokesman he would investigate the allegations.

“Late Tuesday evening, I learned of an incident concerning one of our players, Robert Dozier,” Calipari said. “We are finding out all the facts, and if university or team policy was violated, I will deal with it in a fair and firm manner like I always have.”

Dozier averages 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds for the 21-0 Tigers, ranked No. 1 in both the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today polls. Memphis plays SMU at 8 p.m. tonight at FedExForum.

This is the second time this season Memphis’ basketball team has found trouble at the Plush Club, located at the end of Beale St. on 4th Ave. On Sept. 2, sophomore Shawn Taggart and freshman Jeff Robinson were arrested outside the Plush Club and charged with inciting a riot for their roles in a large-scale disturbance. Those charges have not yet been resolved, and they are due back in court on Feb. 19.

According to a police report, senior forward Joey Dorsey allegedly started the fracas but was never charged with any crime.

After that incident, Calipari said nightclubs were off-limits to his players and instituted a curfew. That was lifted, however, once the season began.