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Nigel Bethel facing felony charges

LUBBOCK, Texas -- A former Texas Tech cornerback faces felony assault charges after he was accused of hitting one of the school's women's basketball players at the university's recreation center.

A Texas Tech Police Department offense report released Monday accuses freshman Nigel Bethel II of "causing serious bodily injury" by hitting Amber Battle on Saturday. The one-page report states the attack included "hands, fists, feet, etc."

Efforts to reach Bethel were unsuccessful. The highly regarded defensive back from Miami was released from custody pending formal charges by the Lubbock County district attorney's office.

Bethel was dismissed from the football team on Sunday.

Athletics spokesman Blayne Beal said Bethel is being allowed to complete his summer school session.

Battle led the Lady Raiders last season with 16.4 points per game.