SENECA — Two athletes at Seneca High School have been arrested for beating one of their own teammates.

Chief John Covington of the Seneca Police Department has confirmed that on Oct. 26 a 15-year-old male and one of his parents filed a complaint about an assault that occurred at the high school earlier that day.

Sources have confirmed to The Journal that the victim was Seneca High School’s starting running back, Christopher Robinson.

The incident report indicates that during the football team’s Oct. 26 practice, Robinson reportedly called 17-year-old defensive back Austin Hunter a name and when the two got to the sideline, Hunter allegedly threw the victim down on the ground and punched him multiple times. Defensive lineman Devin Gaines allegedly joined in the assault for a brief period.

After the practice, Robinson made his way to the junior varsity locker room. Hunter, Gaines and “other teammates” allegedly came into the locker room, slamming the victim to the ground while Hunter kicked and hit him in the head.

The report indicates assistant football coach Justin Crocker separated the parties and removed Hunter from the room. Gaines is accused of then pulling Robinson’s shirt over his head and punching him several times.

Coach Ron Duncan was notified of the incident immediately afterwards.

Duncan would not comment to The Journal about the incident. The status of the players relative to the team is unknown. Robinson, the Bobcats’ leading rusher in 2009, did not play in last Friday’s win over West-Oak High School.

Investigating officers obtained statements from witnesses, as well as Hunter, and officers observed visible injuries to Robinson, including a bloody lip and noticeable knots on the back of his head.

After several days of investigation, Gaines and Hunter were arrested by Seneca police on charges of assault and battery. They were taken to Oconee County Detention Center for booking and each was released on $1,092.50 personal recognizance bond.

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