Idaho State hired DaVonte’ Neal as a football assistant coach in January. The school says he underwent a criminal background check that came back clean.
Imagine the Bengals’ shock when they learned Neal has been arrested on a first-degree murder charge for an incident that took place on Nov. 11, 2017, in Arizona.
Pocatello police say Neal has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, a class one felony; one count of drive by shooting, a class two felony; and one count of discharging a firearm at a structure; a class two felony.
Neal was indicted by a grand jury on May 16. He was arrested May 25 in Idaho on an extradition warrant and currently is at Bannock County (Idaho) Jail with no bond awaiting extradition back to Arizona.
Idaho State placed Neal on administrative leave and intends to terminate his contract.
Neal was coaching HS football in Arizona before accepting the job at Idaho State. He played college ball at Notre Dame and Arizona.
“All Idaho State employees are required to undergo a criminal background check before employment,” ISU said in a news release Thursday. “Neal’s background check was clear and he was approved for work when hired in January. The warrant for his arrest was issued in Arizona by the Maricopa County Court last month.”
An ISU administrator was stunned
“I have been in constant contact with (ISU head coach Charlie Ragle) who has known DaVonte’ for many years and never had any knowledge or suspicion of a possible crime of any kind,” ISU Athletic Director Pauline Thiros told the Journal via text. “The news of DaVonte’ Neal’s arrest and charges in Arizona was a great shock. Going forward, we will cooperate in every way possible, safeguard our program and culture, support each other and our students, and allow the legal process to work. The news is devastating and we hope for resolution for all involved.