Trial ordered for 6 football players in beating

BROWNSVILLE, Pa. (AP) — Six suspended football players from a state-owned university in western Pennsylvania have been ordered to stand trial on charges that they beat and stomped on a man outside an off-campus restaurant, then yelled “Football strong!” as they drove away.

Five of the California University of Pennsylvania players were held for court after preliminary hearings today in Washington County on the charges of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, harassment and conspiracy. The sixth player waived his hearing.

Police allege that the defendants attacked the 30-year-old man when he tried to stop an argument between his girlfriend and a player early on Oct. 30. Attorneys for the players have argued that he initiated the fight.

The team forfeited its game and the school suspended the players and vowed to review the football program.