Aggie arrested, kicked off team

A Utah State University football player was kicked off the team Tuesday following an arrest involving a fight with his live-in girlfriend.

Logan City police were called to an area of off-campus student housing, near 800 N. 670 East at about 4 p.m. Monday, where they found Aggie wide receiver, Antonio Darnell Pennyman, 21, and his 18-year-old girlfriend involved in a domestic dispute. Witnesses reported the fight had become physical, involving "grabbing and forcible touching," said Logan Police Sgt. Bret Randall.

"Because it was physical and because the female had evidence of the grabbing on her body, he was arrested for investigation of simple assault, a class B misdemeanor," Randall said.

Pennyman, of Hayward, Calif., was booked into the Cache County Jail. He later posted the $587 bail and was freed. The case has been referred to the city prosecutor to determine whether formal charges will be filed.

This being his second offense, Aggie coach Brent Guy dismissed him from the team.

"This dismissal follows the basic procedures we have for repeat offenders," Guy said. "Tony knew his situation and did not comply."

Pennyman, a senior, spent several days in jail in 2004, also after being arrested in an assault on a female in his dormitory room during an argument. At the time, he was accused of choking her, police said. He pleaded guilty and was convicted of simple assault in June 2004.

During the interview with police regarding that incident, Pennyman attempted to leave the room, resulting in another charge, to which he pleaded guilty, for interfering with a legal arrest.

"We hope that Tony can get his life in order, and we wish him the best," Guy said.

Through two games this season, Pennyman had four catches for 49 yards for the Aggies (0-2). He also had 85 kickoff return yards.

Last year, he was the team's leading receiver with 63 catches for 741 yards and five touchdowns in 10 of the Aggies' 11 games. He was suspended for the season opener at Utah for violating team rules.

As a returner, he had 675 yards on 23 returns with two touchdowns.

In July, four Utah State players were disciplined, one suspended and another dismissed from the team for a drug-related incident.

In April, Guy dismissed freshman quarterback Jerod Walker and receiver Dionte Holloway, who were arrested for drug possession. At the time of his second arrest, Walker was out on bail. He was charged with aggravated sexual assault, a first-degree felony, earlier in April.

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