UCLA’s Hale, Ward Plead Not Guilty in Brawl

Two UCLA freshman football players, John Hale and Jess Ward, pleaded not guilty Thursday to felony assault charges in connection to a house-party fight in February.

Warrants were issued Wednesday for Hale and Ward for their alleged involvement in a brawl at the home of Ward’s parents in Running Springs. The players reported to San Bernardino County Superior Court on Thursday and were released on their own recognizance after making their plea.

“We are aware of the circumstances that occurred in Jess’ parents’ home,” UCLA Coach Karl Dorrell said in a statement. “John and Jess called me the day after the incident and told me what happened. It appears that John and Jess were not involved in the altercation other than trying to move it out of the house. Based on the information available to us, we have decided to wait until the outcome of the legal process to impose any disciplinary action.”

According to sources familiar with the case, the day after the February incident, police interviewed everyone who had been at the house and two males were arrested. Hale and Ward were questioned but released and both players participated in spring football drills.

Hale, a former Los Alamitos High standout, started seven games at linebacker last season and is listed as the Bruins’ starting strong-side linebacker entering fall camp. Ward, a former standout at Rim of the World High in Lake Arrowhead, was a redshirt last season and is listed as a backup defensive tackle on the fall depth chart.

-- Lonnie White