Coach Scott Shafer issues statement on the alleged incidents
SYRACUSE --
Two Syracuse University football players were in Syracuse City Court Wednesday morning to face burglary charges for allegedly breaking into a South Campus apartment.
Syracuse Police say they were among four Syracuse University students arrested in connection with three burglaries that happened on Saturday, February 23.
Junior defensive end Markus Pierce-Brewster and junior defensive tackle Davon Walls appeared before Judge Karen Uplinger. Police say Pierce-Brewster and Walls allegedly stole a flat screen TV, an XBOX gaming system, two iPods and various video games from a South Campus apartment in the 400 block of Winding Ridge Road.
Syracuse head football coach Scott Shafer issued a statement on the arrests Wednesday morning, saying "We are very disappointed and do not in any way condone the alleged behavior that resulted in these charges. This does not represent the core values of our program or the conduct expected of student-athletes representing Syracuse football. We will be following the judicial process and will act accordingly."
Police say Erwing Augustin, 20, and Bradley Valik, 20, were also arrested for stealing two TVs, an XBOX gaming system, a PlayStation gaming system, and various games from an apartment in the 200 block of Winding Ridge Road.
The alleged victims are Syracuse University students and neighbors of Pierce-Brewster and Walls. Police say the victims were home sleeping at the time of the burglary.
Pierce-Brewster and Walls were both arraigned on felony burglary and petit larceny charges Wednesday. A not guilty plea was entered by Judge Uplinger. An order of protection was granted to the victims. Pierce-Brewster and Walls are permitted to attend class. Bail for both Pierce-Brewster and Walls was set at $5,000 cash or $10,000 bond.
Pierce-Brewster appeared in 13 games for the Orange last season, amassing 13 tackles with one sack. He was a transfer from the City College of San Francisco. Walls appeared in three games in 2012 after transferring from Coahoma Community College in Mississippi.
Augustin and Valik were also arraigned in Syracuse City Court on Wednesday. They were each charged with two counts of burglary and two counts of petit larceny.
A pre-trial hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 11.
