Arkansas St. defender will likely play despite arrest

LAFAYETTE, La. -- Arkansas State coach Steve Roberts said Monday linebacker Chris Littleton will likely play in today's New Orleans Bowl after the linebacker was arrested during the weekend.

Little, 22, of Osceola, a junior who started the last five games, for the Indians, was arrested for allegedly assaulting a law officer.

Arkansas State plays Southern Mississippi today in the New Orleans Bowl at Lafayette.

"At this time, I have to do what's fair to every individual involved, and especially Chris Littleton," Roberts said. "So at this time, he is still on tap to play."

Police said a fight broke out on a team bus in Lafayette late Saturday night and the driver pulled the vehicle over and summoned officers.

Lafayette City Marshal Nickey Picard said a Lafayette police officer and a city marshal entered the bus and tried to break up the disturbance. Littleton allegedly pushed a law officer, and then walked away while the officer tried to calm him down, Picard said.

Picard said the officer detected alcohol on Littleton's breath. Picard said the push occurred when the officer bent to pick up a Taser gun that he had dropped, with Littleton allegedly pushing the officer on the elbow.