Syracuse defensive backs Chauncey Scissum, Corey Winfield allegedly stabbed by ex-teammate Naesean Howard
Syracuse defensive backs Chauncey Scissum, Corey Winfield allegedly stabbed by ex-teammate Naesean Howard
Syracuse Orange defensive backs Chauncey Scissum and Corey Winfield, both 21, have been hospitalized after being stabbed ‘multiple times,’ allegedly by ex-teammate Naesean Howard, 20, the Democrat & Chronicle reported Sunday.
Police were called to 321 Slocum Heights Drive on Syracuse University’s South Campus around 6pm Saturday.
Howard was arrested and charged with two counts of second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
None of the injuries received by Scissum or Winfield are believed to be life-threatening. ‘Everything is fine,’ Arthur Scissum said to the Democrat & Chronicle of his son. ‘He’s in good health.’
‘He’ll be able to continue what he normally does in a short time,’ he added.
Meanwhile, Winfield is in stable condition, Syracuse.com reported.
Police said that one of the victims was being transported to hospital in a private vehicle when officers arrived at the scene; the other was taken to Upstate University Hospital by ambulance.
It is not yet known what led to the attacks.
Howard, who grew up in Syracuse, was the first member of the 2014 recruiting class but never played for the Orange.
He ‘parted ways’ with SU’s football program in September that year for reasons unknown, Syracuse.com reported.
‘We have decided to part ways. We wish Naesean all the best in the future,’ then-coach Scott Shafer said in a statement at the time.
But in February this year Howard re-enrolled in the university and expressed an interest in rejoining the team, the site reported, saying that it was unlikely he would be able to regain a football scholarship by the start of the 2016 season.
Scissum, from Rochester, N.Y., played 12 games last season for the Orange, which finished 4-8. He had 27 solo tackles out of 43 total, the Democrat & Chronicle reported.
Winfield, of St. Louis, Missouri, played eight games, had 26 solo tackles and was in on 30 total tackles – he also had two sacks and two interceptions.
According to Sporting News, Syracuse senior vice president of public affairs Kevin Quinn released a statement Sunday that read: ‘We are aware of this incident and our focus right now is on supporting our two students as they recover.
‘The accused individual, who knew the victims, has been suspended from the University indefinitely. We do not tolerate any act of violence and the safety of our campus and community is a top priority.’
Howard is currently being held in the Onondaga County Justice Center.
