Video of Nigel Bethel Punching Amber Battle During Texas Tech Pickup Basketball Game Emerges After Grand Jury Dismisses Charges

Nigel Bethel II was dismissed from Texas Tech last month after an incident with Red Raiders women’s basketball player Amber Battle. Today, video of the incident was released showing what happened. You can see Battle grab a rebound and get fouled by Bethel. She appears to shove Battle who reciprocates with a punch that broke a bone in her face. Somehow, this video wasn’t enough for a grand jury. Via ESPN:

Lubbock attorney Tray Payne told ESPN.com that the charges against Bethel were dropped after a grand jury found there was no evidence to substantiate assault nor probable cause to pursue charges.

“This is not what it was made out to be,” Payne said. “He’s a good kid with no criminal history, and this was out of character.”

What if I told you the grand jury wrote a letter asking that Bethel have his scholarship reinstated? Is that something that might also surprise you? Via KCBD:

“We believe he was unduly and prematurely punished. This was an unfortunate incident in a pick-up basketball game. This is a matter that should not result in criminal charges for either party.

“Any assault does deserve immediate action, however, please ensure all testimonies, evidence and circumstances are reviewed prior to taking action which may forever alter a person’s future.

“We desire to see Mr. Bethel’s scholarship re-instated. If he is re-instated, it is our belief that his consequences should not be greater than those of Ms. Battle. If he is not re-instated, a public exoneration of his character on the part of Texas Tech University should be forthcoming, since Mr. Bethel’s future opportunities for an education as well as an athletic career have been jeopardized.”

Battle has been suspended by the university for the month of November after she admitted she “initiated the first contact.”