Report: Florida State OL Josh Ball suspended in wake of dating violence allegation
Florida State is expected to begin the 2018 season without one of its starting offensive lineman, as sophomore left tackle Josh Ball has reportedly been suspended in the wake of allegations that he was violent toward his ex-girlfriend.
According to Warchant.com, an FSU judicial panel decided to suspend Allen after reviewing claims his ex-girlfriend, Florida State student Sandra Sellers, made against him when she filed paperwork last September seeking “protection against dating violence.” Sellers says Allen attacked her on more than one occasion, including an incident in December 2016 in which he allegedly slapped her in the face, a March 2017 incident in which he shoved her to the floor and an altercation in April 2017 where Sellers says she was left with a cut on her knee after Allen grabbed her and shoved her numerous times.
Sellers believes Allen is a danger to himself and others and stated that she witnessed incidents in which he became violent with other people. She shared a screenshot on social media Monday that claimed to show the FSU ruling against Ball.
“This long journey has finally come to an end! After two long days of testifying and two agonizing weeks of waiting for this letter, it’s finally here,” Sellers wrote in her post. “Thank you FSU for making campus a better place.”
Ball was never charged by Tallahassee Police or the state attorney’s office after Sellers filed the complaint.
It’s unclear how long Sellers has been suspended for, but new Seminoles head coach Willie Taggart may have to look at other options for a starting left tackle.