By Bryce Ronquillo
Former East Los Angeles College and current University of Miami defensive tackle, Michael Wyche, was arrested last Wednesday by South Miami Police on charges of misdemeanor domestic battery.
Wyche, a redshirt senior for the Hurricanes, is suspended indefinitely from the team and awaiting trial. He has a hearing scheduled for Nov. 18, and is facing a maximum of one year in jail if convicted.
This incident occurred on Wyche’s 23rd birthday.
An article written by Matt Porter of the Palm Beach Post states that Wyche was arrested at 4:50 a.m. after an argument with his girlfriend of five years turned violent. According to the police, the argument was over sleeping arrangements.
His girlfriend told police that she was pushed against the wall by Wyche and thrown on the bed multiple times. Her clothing was torn and she was treated for minor injuries on the scene.
The two have a young daughter. It is unknown whether the child was present during the altercation.
Wyche was a three star recruit according to 247sports.com and played at ELAC during the 2013 season. He recorded 26 tackles, four sacks, five tackles for loss and one interception as a sophomore.
Former ELAC head coach and current offensive line coach at EL Camino College Compton Center,Steve Majarro said he was very surprised to hear about this because of Wyche’s personality.
“Michael was nothing but a great kid while he was here (ELAC).
He was always so happy. He would do community service with us (football team) and acted as a father figure with the kids,” said Majarro.
Wyche did not have a consistent home growing up and was involved with drugs and street life as well.
“Michael had every right to be a bad kid because of his rough upbringing, but he wasn’t. He came to ELAC, got his degree and transferred to a great football program that typically doesn’t take players with a bad background. That’s why I’m so surprised to hear this news,” Majarro said.
Wyche has played in games this season and has yet to record any statistics. He has spent a majority of his time on the practice squad.
He had originally committed to the University of Southern California, but after head coach Lane Kiffin was fired midway through the season, Wyche committed to UM.
In an unpublished interview with Campus News, Wyche explained his decision to decommit from USC.
“I think it (UM) is a better situation for me,” Wyche said. “I would go in as a veteran, which means I could be helping others. It is also close to my family.”
Wyche also held full-ride scholarships from Arkansas State University, Troy University, Oregon State University and Washington State University.
According to Majarro, Wyche was considering going to University of Louisville as well because it was very close to his girlfriend and daughter.
Wyche is originally from Chesapeake, Virginia where he attended Oscar Smith High School.
Before coming to ELAC, he attended College of the Canyons and Mt. San Antonio College.