Colorado's Joshua Tupou arrested; Jaleel Awini and Donovan Lee issued citations for February brawl

Colorado defensive lineman Joshua Tupou is facing assault charges, and two other players, Jaleel Awini and Donovan Lee, were issued misdemeanor assault summons for a brawl at a house party in February.  

Tupou turned himself in to police Thursday after a judge issued an arrest warrant on suspicion of second-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, criminal mischief, trespassing, and reckless endangerment, according to court records obtained by Mitchell Byars of The Denver Post.   

According to the arrest affidavit obtained by the Denver Post, Boulder police were called to a large fight on the street that had started in the early morning hours on Feb. 14 at a party nearby. Police allege that Tupou, Awini and Lee were fight instigators and were in attendance at the party, though none of them were at the scene when police arrived. The affidavit also alleges that Tupou and Lee knocked a hole in the fence of a house near the party, causing up to $700 in damage.

Both Awini and Lee were issued summons for third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and second-degree trespassing, and Lee was additionally cited for criminal mischief. 

Colorado staff will let the legal process run its course.  

"We have high standards for our student-athletes and they know they need to act responsibly on and off the field," said coach Mike MacIntyre in a statement Friday. 

"I am aware that we have three players who have been accused of being involved in improper behavior. Once the legal process runs its course and should any of them be found guilty of any of these accusations, they will be dealt with accordingly."

Tupou was booked and released from the Boulder County Jail on a $10,000 bond. Formal filing of charges has been scheduled for March 18. A court date has not yet been set for Awini and Lee.

Tupou is a three-year starter who recorded 42 tackles and three sacks last season.