Posted on March 24, 2011

Cal U Football Players Charged in Racial Attack

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, March 23, 2011

Police charged two black members of the California University [in Pennsylvania] football team for a St. Patrick’s Day attack on a white bystander, who claimed the attack was racially motivated.

California borough police charged McKeesport’s Darnell Harding, 20, with ethnic intimidation and assault for allegedly hitting Michael Chambers, 23, of Westmoreland County, outside a pizza shop around 10 p.m. Thursday, said California Police Chief Jeff Gillen.

Assault charges were also filed against Toni Whiteleather, 21, of Rochester.

Mr. Chambers told police he heard Mr. Harding–a black member of the football team–shortly before the attack saying he was going to hit the first white person he saw. Mr. Harding then hit him outside Campy’s Pizza on Wood Street.

Mr. Whiteleather allegedly joined in the beating of Mr. Chambers, kicking him in the head. The victim was treated and released at a hospital.

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Mr. Harding is a 6-foot-4, 240-pound linebacker for the Vulcans and Mr. Whiteleather is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound defensive back.