Purdue's Patterson charged with battery for punching former teammate
Purdue sophomore Martesse Patterson was arrested Wednesday morning on a preliminary charge of battery resulting in serious bodily injury, which was first reported by WLFI.
West Lafayette police investigated the incident that occurred Sept. 7. Patterson started at left tackle in Purdue's game against Cincinnati Sept. 10. He continued to practice with the team for the next two weeks before missing the game last Saturday against Nevada. Patterson was not at Tuesday's practice, and Coach Darrell Hazell had refused to offer clarity on Patterson's situation other than to say it was a matter that was "day to day."
A no contact order has been issued, as well as a bail set at $10,000 surety or $1,000 cash.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Patterson punched former teammate Alex Hilger in the face, breaking Hilger's jaw and requiring surgery and a two-day hospital stay. The argument began over "property." Patterson wanted to borrow something, Hilger told him no but Patterson took it anyway, according to the affidavit. When Hilger went to Patterson's room at their residence at 801 Hayes Street in West Lafayette to get the property back, Patterson struck Hilger.
Hilger made a complaint to West Lafayette Police on Sept. 11, according to the affidavit. On Sept. 19, West Lafayette police Detective Sgt. Coddington spoke with Patterson about the incident. Patterson admitted to taking the property and hitting Hilger, according to the affidavit.
Purdue officials said Hazell is aware of the incident.
"Hazell respects that there is a legal process that he will allow to evolve before further commenting," a representative of the school said Wednesday.
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