SALT LAKE CITY — University of Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham commented on the future of defensive back Dominique Hatfield one day after authorities motioned to drop charges relating to an alleged robbery.
Whittingham said the development is a relief but that it may or may not impact the team disciplinary actions they’ve taken against Hatfield, who was “suspended indefinitely” earlier this month. See below for the full statement.
“We are relieved that Dominique has been exonerated of the charges against him, but that does not necessarily impact the disciplinary actions we imposed due to a violation of team rules. There is, however, the possibility of future reinstatement to our team if he is able to meet certain expectations we have in place for our student-athletes.”
Hatfield was charged after he was accused of robbing a man at knifepoint after allegedly arranging to sell a video game console via an online ad. The victim’s wife contacted the same seller later and arranged to purchase a smart phone but had police waiting at the meeting location. Hatfield was arrested after arriving with two iPhones he later told police had been left at parties by drunk people. One phone was reported stolen in April.
Thursday, Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill filed a motion to dismiss the charges, citing new evidence that “casts doubt” on Hatfield’s guilt. Click here for details on the motion to dismiss.
