College Baseball Player Expelled After Alleged Assault on 84-Year-Old Man

A college baseball player, Owen Hayes, 21, has been expelled from The Master's University after being arrested for allegedly assaulting an 84-year-old man. The private Christian university, which competes in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), confirmed Hayes is no longer enrolled as a student.

The alleged incident occurred at Doc's Inn in Santa Clarita, California, on February 27. A video obtained by TMZ Sports reportedly shows a group of young men surrounding the elderly man before Hayes allegedly sucker-punched him from behind. The blow reportedly left the victim unconscious, resulting in a skull fracture and brain bleeding. The man was hospitalized following the incident.

Hayes turned himself in to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station earlier this week. He has been charged with felony assault likely to produce great bodily harm, and his bail has been set at $50,000.

The university responded to the situation in a statement, saying, "When violations occur, we follow established procedures to ensure appropriate action is decisively taken. We are thankful that such behavior is exceedingly rare among our students, who come to TMU because they desire to honor the Lord." Hayes' profile page has also been removed from the school's athletics website.

Hayes, a corner infielder majoring in sports management, now faces an uncertain future as both his academic and athletic careers are effectively on hold. The Master's University has made it clear that they hold their students to high standards, and any deviation from those values is met with swift action.

The incident has drawn significant public attention, given the shocking nature of the allegations and the vulnerability of the victim. For now, all eyes are on the legal process as Hayes awaits further developments in his case.