Zach Smierciak granted continuance in felonious assault trial, suspended from team

Miami RedHawks defensive end Zach Smierciak has been suspended indefinitely from the team following being charged with felonious assault over the weekend, per The Miami Student.

According to reports, Smierciak allegedly pushed a ladder with Robert Null, a Miami University senior, on top of it deliberately in front of the Brick Street bar early Sunday morning, which caused Null to fall and sustain serious injuries. Null was cleared to leave the University of Cincinnati hospital earlier in the week.

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Null was seizing following impact with the pavement and was unresponsive. Per police reports, Smierciak was furious after being kicked out of Brick Street prior to his encounter with Null and the bar’s employees chased him down before the Oxford Police Department detained him for processing.

Chuck Martin discussed the situation following Tuesday’s practice, stating that Smierciak is suspended from the team until more information is gathered and the legal and campus investigations are complete.

Smierciak’s lawyer got a continuance for his hearing and Smierciak did not appear at his initial hearing on Thursday. He is pleading not guilty. His next hearing will be at 1 p.m. next Thursday at the Butler County Area Court in Oxford, Ohio.

We will update this story as we get more information.