Louisville wide receiver Braden Smith charged with assaulting woman, police say

Louisville football wide receiver Braden Smith was arrested early Sunday on misdemeanor charges of fourth degree assault and harassing communications, according to the University of Louisville police.

The Louisville football program is aware of the situation. 

"We’re aware of the incident involving Braden Smith over the weekend. Braden has been suspended indefinitely while we continue to gather more information," a spokesperson said in a statement. 

University police report states officers received a call to an apartment building around 3:49 a.m. Sunday about a couple that was arguing. Upon arrival, officers were met at the door by the victim, who stated that she and Smith "were involved in a heated argument when he grabbed her, dragged her to the apartment door, and threw her out into the breezeway in her bra and shorts," the arrest report says.

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The victim stated Smith, 23, caused cuts and abrasions to her forehead, face, back, arms and forearms. She told police she broke up with the perpetrator earlier in the week but he had been harassing her by leaving notes on her car and leaving lengthy voice messages on her phone.

The woman claimed she repeatedly asked Smith to leave her alone and that she went to his apartment Sunday morning to tell him to leave her alone. That is when the discussion became physical and he assaulted her. The victim alleges Smith had been violent towards her in the past.

Smith, a redshirt sophomore, was scheduled to appear for an arraignment hearing Monday morning in Jefferson District Court, and he did not have an attorney immediately listed in online court records.

Smith sustained a season-ending injury against Florida State last season, tearing ligaments in his knee after being tackled around the knees in the second quarter of the 31-23 win and did not return. He was helped off the field, without putting weight on his leg, and then carted off before halftime. 

Smith was fourth on the team in receptions with 11 and has 68 receiving yards with one touchdown and was also a reliable punt returner for the Cardinals. The 5-foot-10 and 192-pound receiver caught every punt kicked his way, but also returned one for a touchdown against Eastern Kentucky. He averaged 15 yards per return last season. 

He has not participated in spring practice, yet, due to his season-ending injury.