University of Hawaii head football coach Nick Rolovich announced earlier Thursday that Kennedy Tulimasealii and Kaau Gifford have been suspended indefinitely from all football related activities, as reported by Hawaii News Now.
After practice today, coach Rolovich addressed the media in regards to the situation,
“They won’t be here for the rest of spring ball until the pending investigation and we get more information. There are procedures and policies in place, criminal justice system and University of Hawaii athletic department that need to take place. We’re going to move on as a football team, and further decisions will come some time in the future.”
This development comes after the pair was arrested early Tuesday morning after an alleged domestic violence dispute. According to sources, 21-year-old Tulimasealii a senior defensive lineman was in the house naked when officers responded to the call. It is stated that officers were forced to use pepper spray to subdue him. He was charged with two counts of misdemeanor domestic abuse and one count each of resisting arrest and harassment. Gifford, who was also in the apartment, was also arrested on an accusation of obstruction. After their arrest, the pair was released on bond the following day pending an investigation into the altercation.
With domestic violence being such an important topic in sports, football specifically, we should expect for there to be a decision on the future of both players sooner much rather than later.
While suspended, both players are still on scholarship and will continue to attend class until the legal process sorts itself out.