Carlo Calabrese, a former Verona High School football player who is now a linebacker for Notre Dame, was arrested early Thursday after an off-campus incident that also involved Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees.
The South Bend Tribune reported that Calabrese was arrested on suspicion of disorderly conduct and was released after posting a $150 bond. According to the paper, as of late yesterday Calabrese had not been formally charged. Rees was charged with four misdemeanors, including under-aged drinking, after police in South Bend, Ind., were called to an off-campus party. The paper said that it had obtained court documents indicating that both players failed an alcohol breath test. Neither those documents, nor the South Bend Police Department report, have been posted online and MyVeronaNJ.com cannot confirm the accuracy of the Tribune report.
Notre Dame Coach Brian Kelly released a brief statement on Thursday:
“I am aware of last night’s incident involving two of our football players. I am of course very concerned given the nature of the allegations, but I am still gathering information. I’ll withhold judgment until I can collect all the facts and speak with both Carlo and Tommy.”
South Bend police Capt. Phil Trent said that Calabrese tried to intervene by explaining who Rees was. When Calabrese realized it was to no avail, the linebacker threatened an officer, saying, “My people are going to get you,” according to Trent.
If Rees hadn’t kneed the officer they probably would have just received a disorderly person’s ticket would have to pay a fine just like the other students. But no, after making matters worse for themselves they had to use their status to try and get out of charges.
These two hit the lottery by getting their 4 years a college paid for because of their athletic talent. They don’t even appreciate the gift they were given. I’m putting two through college now – both get excellent grades but there is no aid for them and I have to struggle financially to get them through school.
What arrogance to think that their position on the football team would have gotten them off after hitting and threatening the police like that. This is why there is too much importance placed on sports.
Maybe this is why this country has fallen behind in education compared to other countries. In other countries, athletes are sent to sports training schools so they don’t take resources away from the real students that want to learn in college.
Nancy, since you have put your name on this, I have approved it for publication. However, I must note that not everything you say is accurate.
Captain Trent was not present when the incident occurred. South Bend police have told me that another captain was on duty. While many media outlets have reported the comments as if they were said to Captain Trent, the captain was actually reading to reporters from the incident report filed by the officers present; the remarks attributed to Carlo Calabrese may have been said, but they were not said by Calabrese to Captain Trent.
Under Indiana law, the prosecutor has 72 hours to charge an individual. That time period would expire early on Sunday morning. As of this afternoon, no charges have been made public against Calabrese.
Neither the St. Joe County prosecutor’s office or Notre Dame has returned my calls as of yet.