What we know about assault charge against Avery Morrow and his status with CSU football

Kevin Lytle, Fort Collins Coloradoan
·2 min read

Colorado State football player Avery Morrow has been suspended from the program since an altercation leading to his arrest took place in January.

The arrest came after an incident Jan. 17 in Fort Collins, and Morrow has been charged with felony second-degree assault.

Here’s what we know about the incident, subsequent charges and Morrow’s status with the football team.

What the arrest affidavit says

The following is according to the arrest affidavit filed by a Fort Collins police officer:

  • Morrow’s car was in a no parking zone. A person riding on a skateboard stated he could not get around Morrow’s car on his skateboard.

  • The report says the skateboarder "stopped himself using the car and placed his hand on the rear of the vehicle to help him stop. He quickly removed his hand from the vehicle. He picked up his skateboard and began riding away.”

  • It then says Morrow exited his vehicle, tackled the person off his skateboard and punched him four to five times.

  • Morrow has been charged with second-degree assault, a Class 4 felony charge. The charge could carry a prison term of two to six years if he is convicted.

  • The arrest was originally filed as a misdemeanor but was escalated later due to the extent of the victim's injuries being classified as a “serious bodily injury.” The report says the person suffered “a macular hole in his left eye as well as a broken orbital.”

What Morrow’s lawyer says

Erik Fischer, a lawyer representing Morrow, says video evidence shows that there was room to maneuver around Morrow’s vehicle without need to confront Morrow or hit his car.

He says the incident was instigated by the victim in the case.

“It’s unfortunate that the alleged victim created the confrontation and Avery did not react very well. There is a large dispute about the extent of the injuries and whether or not this confrontation resulted in the injuries,” Fischer said.

Morrow’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 20.

Status with CSU football team

Morrow has been suspended from the CSU football team since the incident, per a CSU football news release. His next scheduled court date is the same day as the final practice before the April 22 spring game.

“As this is an on-going legal case, the program and head coach Jay Norvell can have no further comment,” the release said.

Morrow was CSU’s starting running back in 2022 and was expected to hold the same position for the 2023 season.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in court. Arrests and charges are merely accusations by law enforcement until, and unless, a suspect is convicted of a crime.

This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: What we know about assault charge against CSU football's Avery Morrow