College Football

Cal football locker room fight specifics unclear

A locker room altercation sent Cal freshman Fabiano Hale to the hospital. That much we know. The specifics surrounding the incident are being investigated.

By Steven Muma@akulawolf Nov 5, 2013, 5:31pm EST

/ new

Cal freshman running back Fabiano Hale had to go to the hospital after a "one-on-one" fight with a teammate on Friday. Police know the identity of the other player involved but have declined to give his name.

An anonymous family friend of the Hales' explained one version of the events to the San Francisco Chronicle's Hunter Hewitt. None of these details have been confirmed by Cal or law enforcement.

A family friend of Fabiano Hale told me he slept in and missed the Friday workout. Players had to do extra work because of his absence..
— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) November 5, 2013

..Players were told to deal with Hale on their own but "leave it in the locker room." Hale was later seen in the locker room and blindsided
— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) November 5, 2013

According to family friend, Hale's parents were upset it took so long for them to be contacted & no one from Cal was w/ Hale at the hospital
— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) November 5, 2013

According to source, the player who hit Hale, another freshman, was still allowed to suit up for Saturday's game. Didn't play, but dressed
— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) November 5, 2013

Cal head coach Sonny Dykes denied that any of the above is true.

Sonny Dykes was very adamant in saying that what was reported by Fabiano Hale's family friend was not the truth
— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) November 5, 2013

Sonny Dykes said the player did NOT dress for Saturday's game, a coach WAS present at the hospital. And again, said the rest is not true
— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) November 5, 2013

Another outlet reports much of the same story (assuming the source is not the same family friend):

A source has told me Soquel grad Fabiano Hale was cold cocked by a Cal teammate after reportedly showing up late for practice
— John Devine (@JohnJDevine) November 5, 2013

The fight occurred after a workout for players who do not travel with the team, according to the Chronicle. That includes Hale, a true freshman running back. The specifics regarding his injuries have not been made public.

In a comment on an ESPN story on the matter, an account connected to Hale's stepfather had this to say:

You are all wrong actually. Stop assuming and stop making stupid judgements. It's my stepson and the truth will come out soon. It wasn't a fight- it was 2 white kids- it was a bad situation that could have really ruined my son. The police had to be notified by the Dr since it was considered an assault- the Athletics dept WILL be dealing with this. There is a lot you all don't know, so stop thinking you do. Thnx

Hale was discharged from the hospital on Saturday, according to Jeff Faraudo of the Bay Area News Group.

The school released this statement Tuesday:

Athletic deparment statement concerning last Friday's incident involving tow Cal FB players #CALVoice pic.twitter.com/WzY7NOQxjW
— Todd McKim (@toddmckimsports) November 5, 2013