Virginia Tech running back arrested on felony charge

Following a felony malicious wounding charge following a weekend fight in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech running back Michael Holmes has been automatically suspended from the football team, per university policy. This just hours after leading the Hokies in rushing in their annual spring game.

Holmes, 19, was arrested after police were called to a fight at about 1:50 a.m. Sunday. He also faces two misdemeanor assault and battery charges from the incident which began as an altercation between two women.

Malicious wounding charges typically result from an assault with a weapon, but can also result from broken bones or severe lacerations, said Lt. Nathan O’Dell of the Blacksburg Police Department.

Also per university policy, if convicted Holmes would be dismissed.

Not that it would likely matter. Holmes’ 24 yards on 7 carries was enough to lead the Hokies’ ground attack in their spring game. The redshirt sophomore managed just 280 yards last season, but was expected to battle sophomore J.C. Coleman and redshirt freshman Trey Edmunds for the starting job.

Alabama opens with Virginia Tech in the Georgia Dome August 31 to start the 2013 college football season.

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