According to WAFB in Louisiana, LSU defensive lineman Davon Godchaux has been indefinitely suspended from the team following a domestic dispute arrest by the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office. The junior was arrested on false imprisonment charges. The police report notes the authorities were called out to an apartment on Nicholson Drive for a domestic disturbance at about 3:30 a.m. Monday morning.
What takes place next depends on whose story you believe. The victim claims she was in a two year relationship with Godchaux and an argument ensued over cheating. Godchaux said the couple should separate but upon the victim’s attempt to leave Godchaux allegedly pulled her hair to keep her from leaving. Another attempt to leave was made by the victim and she was allegedly held against her will again. During this attempt a brief altercation occurred in which the victim suffered a swollen lip and had a visible red mark near the front of her throat. She also claimed she hit a television as a result of the altercation.
Godchaux claimed there really was no altercation and that the victim allegedly kicked the television on purpose as they verbally argued. He allegedly asked the victim to leave several times but she refused. Authorities added he repeatedly claimed “he never attempted to prevent her from leaving.” Godchaux also reportedly had cuts on his gums from his braces which appeared “as if he were struck by the victim” at some point, according to authorities.
Godchaux was released on a $3,000 bond posted on Monday. Both he and the victim were issued misdemeanor summonses for domestic abuse battery and child endangerment. Yes, the two have a 10 month old child, hence the child endangerment charge.
Domestic violence is a serious issue in this country and needs to be addressed systemically. At this point what we have is he said she said at this point and hopefully we will get to the bottom of it quickly. Here’s the thing about domestic violence and so many ills in society. There are repercussions. It’s not just about Godchaux and the alleged victim. What’s going to happen to this 10 month old child? Stability is a necessity for children. This chaotic environment (yes it’s chaotic, some kind of altercation erupted after some type of conversation) is not good for their child much less themselves. Why is physical violence the next step in verbal arguments for so many?