UO linebacker cited for DUII

Eugene, Ore. – Another University of Oregon football player is in hot water.

Eugene police cited sophomore linebacker Kiko Alonso for driving under the influence early this morning. Officers pulled him over at 2:19 a.m. at Fifth Avenue and East Broadway in downtown Eugene. Alonso is 19 years old.

Alonso's citation caps a week of controversy for Ducks Athletics. On Wednesday, freshman standout LaMichael James was arrested on assault charges. He was released on Thursday to house arrest.

A reporter for KATU's Eugene news partner, KVAL, called the UO Athletic Department for comment. Spokesman Phil Weiler said he will not release a statement until he gets more information.

This latest arrest is one in a string of reputation-harming incidences for University of Oregon's football program, including assaults and theft accusations. The string started with a punch.

September's nationally-televised clobbering of a Boise State player by running back LeGarrette Blount was just the beginning of months of Duck Football headlines for their actions on and off the field.

On Dec. 1, defensive lineman Terrance Montgomery was arrested and then later cleared for suspicion of assault.

In January, a student accused quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and wide receiver Garrett Embry of stealing from his fraternity house. The pair have not been named as suspects nor charged with a crime.

That same night, kickers Mike Bowlin and Rob Beard were involved in a street fight. Beard landed in the hospital and has been charged assaulting on a 19-year-old female.

A week later, defensive-end Matt Simms was arrested for allegedly assaulting someone he thought was involved in the previous fight.

Bringing the events full-circle, LaMichael James, the freshman runningback chosen to replace Blount after that "punch seen 'round the world," now faces his own troubles. James was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence.

"Some of these allegations might be true, some of them may be not," said student Jack Neilson. "But you know, we've got to stand by the Ducks for now and we'll figure it out from there."

None of these players have been convicted of any crime.

Montgomery, Embry, Bowlin and Simms are no longer with the University's football program. As a condition of his release, LaMichael James is barred from the university grounds until further notice.

James' lawyer has filed a motion asking James be allowed at the University of Oregon's Jaqua Center for tutoring, the Casanova Center for training and campus for class. A judge is scheduled to hear that motion on Tuesday.