Texas Freshman DT Andre Jones Arrested On Robbery Charge

AUSTIN (AP) _ Texas freshman defensive tackle Andre Jones was arrested on a charge of aggravated robbery Friday, his 18th birthday. <br/><br/>Jones was charged in connection with a robbery at an Austin

Friday, August 3rd 2007, 10:25 pm

By: News On 6

AUSTIN (AP) _ Texas freshman defensive tackle Andre Jones was arrested on a charge of aggravated robbery Friday, his 18th birthday.

Jones was charged in connection with a robbery at an Austin apartment complex on July 27. He was taken into custody by University of Texas police officers without incident, according to a statement issued by the Austin Police Department.

Bond was set at $40,000 on the charge of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon, police said. An attorney for Jones could not immediately be reached for comment.

Texas coach Mack Brown issued a statement saying that team officials have spoken with Jones and his family and have decided to suspend him indefinitely, meaning he won't be involved in any team functions pending the completion of legal proceedings.

``We are disappointed to hear about the recent allegations against Dre Jones. They are very serious charges. We will cooperate with authorities through the legal process and support Dre any way we can,'' Brown said.

Former Texas safety Robert Joseph, who was suspended last month, has also been arrested in the case and faces the same charge.

The two are accused in a holdup in which cash, video game equipment and cell phones were stolen, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. Witnesses to the incident said in the affidavit that they saw Joseph with a handgun and Jones acting as if he were reaching for a gun.

Jones' mother, Carmen Jones, said her son is innocent.

``I can assure you that my son didn't do anything like this,'' Carmen Jones told the El Paso Times in a report for Saturday editions. ``We lived in El Paso three years, and he committed himself to school, to get his grades up and committed himself to getting that scholarship. He didn't go out partying and doing stuff like that...For him to go out there after he worked so hard, to turn around and do something like this is not him.''

Jones, a 6-foot-5, 295-pound graduate of El Paso Andress, was a top high school recruit.

The Longhorns begin fall practices Monday.

Jones and Joseph are among four Texas football players who have faced criminal charges over the summer. Two other players were arrested on driving while intoxicated charges, and Joseph previously was charged with burglarizing a vehicle.

Brown said he is disappointed in the players' legal troubles. He said they do not reflect ``the high standard of class, character and integrity we have established at Texas for many years.''

``It's a shame that these recent events have generated a great deal of negative attention, because I do think that overall, this is as good of a group of kids that I've ever coached. I think that will show over time,'' Brown said.