CSUF Gymnast Allegedly Stabs Ex-Teammate in Money Dispute

A Cal State Fullerton gymnast stabbed a former teammate Wednesday with a kitchen knife during an argument over money, police said.

Steve Ciccarelli, a 22-year-old senior, suffered a serious abdomen wound and was taken to UCI Medical Center for surgery. He was in fair condition, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Eli Rodriguez, also a 22-year-old senior, was arrested and booked on suspicion of aggravated assault, Fullerton police said. He was held at Fullerton City Jail in lieu of $10,000 bail.

The two are former roommates, said Dick Wolfe, Cal State Fullerton gymnastics coach. Ciccarelli used up his athletic eligibility last year and is no longer on the gymnastics squad, but he is working toward a degree in physical education, Wolfe said.

Police said Ciccarelli, Rodriguez and five or six others, most of whom had been drinking, were at Rodriguez’s apartment in the 2400 block of East Nutwood Avenue when the pair began arguing shortly after midnight.

Police Sgt. Jeff Roop told the Associated Press that Ciccarelli had moved out because of a financial dispute and that their argument Wednesday was over money.

Wolfe said he did not know what started the fight.

“The version I heard was Ciccarelli was provoking Eli and Eli went into the kitchen to get away from him,” Wolfe said. “But Ciccarelli came running after him. Eli used the knife as a deterrent and Ciccarelli literally ran into it.

“Eli Rodriguez is a super kid,” Wolfe said. “I’m real surprised that he would be involved in any difficulty.”

Wolfe said that even though Ciccarelli is no longer on the gymnastics squad, he sees him from time to time. “I talk to him, make sure he’s intending to complete his degree,” Wolfe said. “He doesn’t have a father, so I try to keep track of him.”