5-Star NCAA football recruit arrested for 2nd time over domestic violence
The first time Joseph Lewis was arrested for domestic violence apparently wasn’t enough.
Less than two weeks later, the former USC receiver is behind bars once again.
TMZ.com reports that the 19-year old was arrested in Los Angeles late Wednesday night.
The site reports that Lewis was in another physical altercation with a woman in a house near his hometown.
The woman then escaped from the house and called the police, who came and arrested Lewis.
On July 6, Lewis finished a 21-day sentence after pleading no contest to two misdemeanor counts of domestic battery with an injury, stemming from a February incident, according to The Los Angeles Times.
In addition to those charges, Lewis was ordered on probation for 36 months, and required to attend a 12-month domestic violence treatment course, in addition to staying at least 100 yards away from the woman.
Lastly, there was a 10-year ban on him owning or using firearms.
The 6-foot-3-inch, 215-pound receiver was considered one of the top recruits in the country in 2016.
ESPN ranked him as the top wide receiver in the country.
Lewis’ college decision was televised on National Signing Day. He chose USC over Oregon, Nebraska, Arizona and UCLA.
He played sparingly for the Trojans last season, catching just four passes for 39 yards.
In May, Lewis told the LA Times that he hoped to return to the field once his legal process was completed.
USC initially described it as an indefinite suspension. A spokesperson confirmed today that he is no longer on the team. You can read our full story here: https://t.co/EJXj8AJrgh
— Tom Schad (@Tom_Schad) July 19, 2018
Lewis was expected to play a much bigger role this season, but a school spokesperson said earlier this month that he was no longer part of the football team, and he is not listed on any roster or depth chart.
Specifics on Lewis’ second arrest are still murky, but at the very least, he has surely violated his probation.
Court records show that Lewis is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
USC kicks off its football season on Sept. 1 against UNLV.
The only thing that seems certain is that Joseph Lewis won’t be anywhere near the field.
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