Kansas State RB Patton arrested on child abuse charge

Sep 19, 2008 - 2:43 PM MANHATTAN, Kansas (Ticker) - Kansas State running back Leon Patton on Friday was dismissed from the football team one day after he was arrested on a warrant for child abuse.

Patton was arrest on Thursday by Riley County Police on a charge of child abuse involving a five-month-old male.

Police spokesman Lieutenant Kurt Moldrup on Friday confirmed the arrest to PA SportsTicker.

Moldrup said the arrest stemmed from an investigation into an alleged incident on July 15.

Patton already had been suspended indefinitely by coach Ron Prince prior to the season after he was arrested on July 7 on charges of theft and failing to appear.

Moldrup said the child abuse charge was not related to that earlier arrest in July. Patton is being held on $30,000 bond.

The junior running back had rushed for for 999 yards and 10 touchdowns in his first two seasons with the Wildcats.

On July 7, Patton was stopped for driving with a suspended license. At that time, police discovered a warrant issued against Patton in connection with a misdemeanor theft at a Wal-Mart in November 2007.

An unpaid parking ticket was the reason for the failing to appear charge.

School officials said they will have no further comment at this time, citing a formal investigation of the matter.