Givens May Be Charged in Fight

Pepperdine center omm’A Givens could face criminal charges and additional punishment from the university for breaking the jaw of a teammate at practice Tuesday.

According to reports, the Malibu-Lost Hills station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Dept. is conducting an investigation of the incident, in which the 6-foot-11 Givens punched 6-2 Aaron Butler in the face. Detectives working on the case could not be reached Saturday.

Butler, a walk-on who rarely plays in games, was admitted to UCLA Medical Center on Tuesday and underwent surgery to have his jaw wired shut. He was released from the hospital Wednesday and probably will sit out the rest of the season.

Givens served a two-game suspension this weekend imposed by Coach Lorenzo Romar and is expected to rejoin the team at practice Monday.

But the junior could face more severe penalties from the university pending the outcome of an internal investigation, a Pepperdine spokesperson said.

Andy Benton, institutional representative, said a report of the incident will be submitted to Dean of Students D’Esta Love, who will decide if Givens’ punishment is adequate.

Romar has declined to discuss details of the incident.