Off-Season Crime Update: Duke WR Dismissed

(Chuck Liddy/Raleigh News & Observer)

Junior wide receiver Tyree Watkins has been dismissed from Duke’s football team for what the university called “conduct unbecoming of a member of the program,” Blue Devils coach David Cutcliffe announced Wednesday.

Durham County court records indicate that Watkins was charged Monday with misdemeanor assault on a female. Watkins was released on a $500 bond. A June 18 court appearance has been scheduled.

According to various news reports, Watkins pulled his girlfriend out of a car, grabbed her by the neck and choked her causing her to hit her head on a wall. 

The dismissal comes just four days after Watkins had five catches for 78 yards in the Blue Devils’ spring game. 

A reserve wide receiver from Camden, N.J., Watkins played in 28 games over the past three seasons, totaling 24 career receptions for 152 yards.