TAMPA - A few hours after learning of the arrest of University of South Florida junior tight end Trent Pupello on four felony charges, USF removed Pupello's name from the Bulls' official roster on the school's athletic department website.
Before being removed late Friday night, Pupello's bio was on the school's official website, even though he was planning to miss the 2009 season because of a neck injury and academic issues, USF coach Jim Leavitt said. Pupello also is listed as a member of the program in the school's official '2009 Prospectus' released on the school's website and distributed to the media Thursday.
While it would appear doubtful Pupello would be allowed to return to USF's program for his senior season in 2010, no definitive decision has been reached, USF assistant AD Chris Freet said.
Pupello was arrested Friday on five charges. He was accused of pistol-whipping three people in the parking lot of The Hut at Channelside in Tampa, at 2:51 a.m. on Apr. 12, Easter Sunday morning, police spokeswoman Laura McElroy said. Pupello also was accused of firing his handgun several times in the air.

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