[CBFF] This won't improve hang time

[Kenny Claxton]

GREELEY, Colo. -- The University of Northern Colorado's reserve punter
was arrested Tuesday, accused of stabbing his rival in his kicking
leg.

Mitch Cozad, a sophomore from Wheatland, Wyo., allegedly attacked
starting punter Rafael Mendoza in a parking lot in Evans on Monday
night, Evans police Lt. Gary Kessler said.

Mendoza, the Bears' first-string punter from Thornton, was treated and
released from the North Colorado Medical Center Monday night. Coach
Scott Downing said Mendoza will not punt for UNC in Saturday's game at
Texas State University.

"I don't know how long he'll be out because I haven't talked to the
doctor," Downing said.

Cozad, Mendoza and freshman Zak Bigelow had been in a three-way race
for the starting punter's job in preseason training. Mendoza has
averaged 37.6 yards per punt on nine punts in the two games so far
this season.

Cozad is facing second-degree assault charges and was scheduled to
appear in court Wednesday for a bond hearing. He was suspended from
the team, evicted from his residence and expelled from school on
Tuesday, The Greeley Tribune reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


-- 
"He may look like an idiot and talk like an idiot but don't let that
fool you. He really is an idiot."

 Groucho Marx