Cats LB Wilson charged with assault

By Chip Cosby and Ashlee Clark - ccosby@herald-leader.comaclark

Ridge Wilson, one of five true freshmen to see action in the University of Kentucky's season-opening football victory over Miami (Ohio), has been charged with fourth-degree assault after being accused of punching a woman in the face Monday night.

UK police received a call about a disorder in the Kirwan-Blanding Complex courtyard Monday night, said UK interim police chief Joe Monroe. Monroe said a female victim told police that Wilson had struck her in the face and injured her left cheek and nose. She was treated at UK Medical Center and released. Wilson had left the scene.

Wilson was being held in the Fayette County Detention Center on Tuesday night.

Fourth-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor in Kentucky punishable by up to a year in prison and/or up to a $500 fine.

UK Coach Rich Brooks said Wilson, a 6-foot-3, 207-pound linebacker from Central High School in Louisville, has been suspended and will miss Saturday's game against the University of Louisville. Brooks said Wilson's status beyond this week is under evaluation.

Wilson was a first-team All-State selection by The Associated Press. He was also named to the Herald-Leader's Class of the Commonwealth team of the state's top 22 seniors.