A 22-year-old man who was part of the University of South Florida football team was arrested for domestic violence Saturday.
The University of South Florida suspended running back Michel Dukes indefinitely after he was arrested Saturday on a felony charge of domestic battery by strangulation, per a report from the Tampa Bay Times.
“According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the alleged victim called 911 to report Dukes had physically assaulted them. During the investigation, police determined there was a verbal argument that led to Dukes strangling the victim,” Outkick reported.
The fifth-year senior transferred from Clemson ahead of the 2022 college football season.
“I applaud this victim for coming forward,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “We do not tolerate domestic violence. There is never a reason or excuse for this type of behavior. Our Victim Advocates will ensure this individual gets connected with any and all resources.”
Dukes will remain suspended from the USF football team while the investigation continues.
Dukes was a three-star prospect in the 2019 recruiting class. The running back began his career at Clemson, where he spent three years as a member of the Tigers. He took 42 carries across those three seasons, accounting for 212 yards and two touchdowns. He played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2019 but his playing time steadily decreased over the following two years.
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Dukes entered the transfer portal in the middle of the 2021 campaign.
Last season for USF, he played in 11 games for the Bulls, carrying the ball 54 times for 188 yards and finishing second on the team with five touchdowns. He also caught eight passes for 72 yards and served on the Bulls’ special teams unit, returning four kicks for 106 yards.
