The Syracuse football team’s winter is becoming as tumultuous as its 4-8 season.

Starting wide receiver Jamel Riddle was arrested in his hometown of Meriden, Conn., on Friday and charged with third-degree burglary, third-degree assault, third-degree criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, Meriden police said yesterday.

Because of academics, Riddle, 21, had already left Syracuse University after last semester, an SU spokesperson said. Since Riddle is not enrolled at Syracuse, SU head coach Paul Pasqualoni will not comment, the spokesperson said.

Riddle’s arrest stemmed from a Jan. 3 incident in which Riddle allegedly forced his way into a home, pushed a woman and attacked a man who was fighting with Jason Teal, a resident of North Haven, Conn., the Meriden Record-Journal reported Saturday. Riddle then left with Teal.

Riddle’s father, Alonzo Riddle, disputed the charges, telling the Record-Journal that Riddle was breaking up a fight between Teal and the man.

That brawl began as an argument outside a Connecticut nightclub. After the man left the nightclub with Teal’s ex-girlfriend, Teal drove to his ex-girlfriend’s house, forced his way into her home and attacked the man, the Record-Journal reported.

A number listed to Teal was not in service yesterday.

Riddle was released on $5,000 bond and will appear in Meriden Supreme Court on Feb. 11, the newspaper report stated.

Riddle’s arrest comes in the midst of a turbulent offseason for the Orangemen. Last month, SU lost out in its bid to recruit quarterback Joe Dailey. After verbally committing to Syracuse, the star from St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City, N.J., reneged and verballed to Nebraska.

The Syracuse defense also took a hit, losing starting linebacker Jameel Dumas for spring practice when he withdrew from SU. His future with the Orangemen remains up in the air.

Last season, as a junior, Riddle often sparked the Syracuse offense, with 41 catches for 626 yards and five touchdowns.

Riddle was also one of the Big East’s best punt returners, averaging 13.7 yards. In a loss at Auburn, Riddle returned a punt 85 yards for a touchdown.

But academic problems caught up with Riddle during the season, and he was suspended one game.

Riddle is taking classes at Onondaga Community College in hopes of being readmitted in the fall and regaining his football eligibility, according to the Record-Journal report.

If Riddle does not return next season, it would significantly slow SU’s offense, which already lost receiver David Tyree to graduation. Riddle’s departure would leave an inconsistent Johnnie Morant — who has been plagued by off-the-field problems of his own — junior Jared Jones and junior Andre Fontenette as SU’s top three receivers.

Published on February 2, 2003 at 12:00 pm