Misdemeanor Charges Are Filed Against Titan Basketball Players

Misdemeanor charges have been filed by the Orange County district attorney’s office against two Cal State Fullerton basketball players who were arrested two weeks ago.

After an investigation by campus police, freshman guard Greg Vernon was charged with auto theft and freshman forward Michael Bloodworth was charged with auto theft and possession of stolen property.

Vernon, 18, the Titans’ first guard off the bench and one of the team’s most promising players, and Bloodworth, 18, a seldom-used reserve, are scheduled to be arraigned in North Orange County Municipal Court on March 28.

They were arrested Feb. 27 in connection with the theft of a student’s car and the illegal use of stolen credit cards, and both were suspended for Fullerton’s last two games. Fullerton College student Gene Davis, 18, was also charged with auto theft.

Athletic Director Steve DiTolla said the incident will be reviewed by the office of the vice president of student affairs, which could mete out punishment ranging from a warning to expulsion from the university.

But the fact that misdemeanor--and not felony--charges were filed “would reduce tremendously the chances of expulsion,” DiTolla said. “I’m sure this will reduce the severity of their punishment, but they’re still subject to discipline.”