A TCU wide receiver was hospitalized for three days with a brain bleed after being violently assaulted by a teammate inside the team’s locker room, according to a newly released arrest affidavit.
The document states that former TCU safety Jacob Fields approached wide receiver Dozie Ezukanma on August 13 while Ezukanma was looking down at his phone. Fields allegedly punched him in the forehead and then kicked him in the head without warning.
Ezukanma was diagnosed with a brain bleed, a concussion and a strained AC joint as a result of the attack. He spent three days receiving treatment before being released from the hospital.
According to the affidavit Ezukanma told investigators he believed the assault was motivated by competition saying Fields attacked him because he was outperforming him during practice the day before. He also told police the two had been clashing intensely since the start of training camp.
Ezukanma provided police with text messages he said Fields sent him following the attack. In those messages Fields wrote that he made an emotional decision based on how he felt he had performed in recent practices and expressed regret saying he wished he could take it all back. Fields also allegedly offered to cover all medical expenses.
Fields turned himself in to authorities on Sunday and has since been removed from the TCU football roster. His representation at PM3 Sports released a statement saying Fields has retained legal counsel and will allow the legal process to run its course.
Ezukanma’s sister Emelie Ezukanma spoke publicly about the incident and said her brother is recovering and eager to return to the field once doctors clear him. She emphasized that what the family wants most right now is accountability.
TCU head coach Sonny Dykes addressed the situation when asked how the team manages off-field distractions. Dykes said he is proud of how his players have handled themselves through a difficult situation noting that young people work through challenges all the time.
The Horned Frogs are pressing forward following a loss in their season opener last weekend as the investigation into the locker room assault continues.
