Two Rutgers Players Taken Into Police Custody, Suspended From Team After Paintball Gun Incident

The two were first reported to have been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose on Monday night by NJ Advanced Media.

Rutgers cornerbacks Max Melton and Chris Long were suspended from the team after they were taken into police custody for an incident involving a paintball gun, coach Greg Schiano announced Tuesday.

“I was informed that Chris Long and Malachi Melton were taken into police custody early this morning as a result of an incident involving a paintball gun,” Schiano said in a statement. “Both players have been suspended immediately.”

NJ Advanced Media reported that the two players had been charged with aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose after the Monday night incident.

Melton is a starter who already has two interceptions on the season to go along with five tackles. His pick-six on Sept. 4 against Temple was the team's first since 2017. Long is a reserve cornerback. 

The Scarlett Knights are 3–0 for the first time since 2012 and are scheduled to visit No. 19 Michigan on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.