Mississippi State University junior wide receiver Chad Bumphis pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of disorderly conduct and public intoxication in his initial court appearance at Tupelo Municipal Court.
Bumphis was arrested in his hometown of Tupelo in the early morning hours of New Year’s Day. The Lee County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Sunday morning to The Dispatch that Bumphis’ arrest happened at 1:31 a.m. in the city proper of Tupelo. He was released nearly an hour later after being booked on the two charges.
Bumphis, 22, has one year of eligibility left at MSU program. His trial is scheduled to begin 90 days from Thursday’s plea appearance.
MSU coach Dan Mullen is aware of the situation, but he has declined to speak publicly about the matter.
Bumphis, who was one of Mullen’s first recruits, led the Bulldogs in catches in each of his first two seasons. He had 24 catches (third on the team) for 342 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Shortly after being released from jail Sunday morning, Bumphis took his frustrations about the incident to his Twitter page, @ImSo_BalisMade1.
“I’m putting on for y’all and still got haters n my own city,” Bumphis tweeted. “It’s crazy how life works. Hey. Imma continue to do me and live my life the way I know best. Either u with me or against me. Either way I thank you!!”
Bumphis, who had had one catch for minus-3 yards and two rushes for minus-4 yards in MSU’s 23-17 victory against Wake Forest in the 2011 Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 in Nashville, Tenn., attempted later on Twitter to explain his side of the incident.
“However, I do want the bulldog nation to know I did nothing wrong,” Bumphis Tweeted. “I’m taking picture with fans and apparently it make people mad. Im taking pictures with fans an get attacked with bottles. Ask anyone who was there, they know! But its all good. Ill bounce back!!”
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