University of Findlay suspends star basketball player

8/16/2005

A 20-year-old star basketball player at the University of Findlay was suspended from his team indefinitely after he appeared in Toledo Municipal Court yesterday on robbery and complicity to commit robbery charges.

Christopher Commons, a graduate of Central Catholic High School, led Findlay to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight just five months ago.

Mr. Commons of 2534 Rosedale Ave. appeared in court with Carlton Jackson, 19, of 1603 South Cove Blvd.; John Jackson, 20, of 429 Prescott St., and Ronnell Isom-Scott, 20, of 3225 Maplewood Ave.

Authorities arrested the four at 9 a.m. Friday in the 700 block of Washington Street after three robberies that took place between Thursday night and early Friday morning.

A weapon was used in each robbery, and the holdup man escaped with an undetermined amount of cash.

Mr. Commons was released yesterday after a property bond was posted for him. Judge C. Allen McConnell set bond at $50,000 each for charges of robbery and complicity to commit robbery.

Mr. Isom-Scott also was released after a property bond was posted for him on one count of complicity to commit robbery.

Carlton Jackson and John Jackson remained in the Lucas County jail last night in lieu of $50,000 bonds each for robbery and complicity to commit robbery.

Police are investigating the robberies at Lee's Beauty Supply, 3415 Monroe St., and Howard's gas station, 3730 Monroe, both on Thursday night, and the 7-Eleven store, 3749 Upton Ave., on Friday morning.

"Pending the outcome of the trial, Commons has also been suspended from his academic studies at Findlay, according to the rules and regulations which govern the student body," a statement released by the university said.

Mr. Commons averaged 15 1/2 points per game last year.