2 Football Players Suspended Following Arrests

Bryant Malloy, a sophomore offensive tackle, was arrested for assault on a female, and junior cornerback Errol Hood was arrested for larceny by an employee.

Both have been suspended indefinitely from all football activities.

Malloy was arrested for an incident at 159 1/2 E. Franklin Street at Players Club.

The 24-year-old victim, who asked that the police withhold her name, and other witnesses said Malloy pushed the victim hard into a wall and struck her with a closed fist, leaving a visible welt on her right cheek.

Hood was arrested by Durham police Friday for larceny by employee. Police arrived at Dick's Sporting Goods at 5422 New Hope Commons Drive on Friday after being called by the manager, Edward Rainey.

According to the report, Hood is accused of taking a pair of $69.99 Nike tennis shoes without paying for them. Hood returned to work the next day with the shoes.

"Based on the information (Hood's) given us, it sounds like he'll be cleared pretty quickly," said Steve Kirschner, UNC sports information director.

Hood was released on $1,000 bond in the custody of his brother, Ron.

Hood played in all 11 games for the Tar Heels in 2000. He had two interceptions and made 54 tackles.

Malloy turned himself into Chapel Hill police and was arrested at 10:10 p.m. Saturday, according to Chapel Hill police spokeswoman Jane Cousins.

Malloy was released on a written promise. He played in one game in 2000.

With spring practice coming up in a few weeks, the Tar Heels are hoping to have these legal matters corrected soon so Hood's and Malloy's status can be determined.

"I'm extremely disappointed," UNC coach John Bunting said. "At this point, Bryant and Errol have been suspended indefinitely from all football-related activities.

"Each case will be handled individually, and we will make another decision on their status once the legal issues have been settled."

The Sports Editor can be reached at sports@unc.edu.