By LYDIA EARHART

lee003@latech.edu

 

Paul Millsap, a star basketball player and a junior sociology major of Grambling, was arrested on the charge of aggravated assault Oct. 16.

According to the booking records at the Lincoln Parish Detention Center, Millsap was taken in at 12:25 a.m. and was set free on $1,000 bail 50 minutes later.

Latoria Scott, 20, of Ruston, told police she passed Millsap moving westbound on West Alabama Avenue. She said he pulled up beside her on Tech Drive and pointed a handgun at her.

Millsap stated he had not driven his vehicle for three hours.

Cpl. Jay Alexander, the arresting officer, found Millsap standing next to his vehicle with the motor hot.

Police were unable to find any weapon on Millsap or in his vehicle.

Millsap told police Scott had been harassing him.

Millsap is a junior forward for the basketball team and recently was named one of the top 50 preseason candidates for the men’s 05-06 Wooden Award All-American team.

According to http://www.latechsports.com, “The John R. Wooden Award is the most prestigious individual honor in college basketball.” Previous winners include Michael Jordan (‘84) and Larry Bird (‘79).

Two years ago Millsap was awarded Western Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year.

Jim Oakes, Tech athletic director, said the athletic department is conducting an investigation on the case involving Millsap.

“The Louisiana Tech Athletic Department is looking into this matter at this time,” Jim Oakes said. “We will comment further after all the facts are gathered.”

If Millsap is convicted Nov. 16, he could face up to a $1,000 fine and/or imprisonment up to six months or more.