Wisconsin / NIU players huddle up, steal an Xbox

As if breaking into a home, jacking a mysterious PlayStation console, only to return for the power cord used to hold victims captive with wasn't zany enough, now we've got a Big Ten all-star (and his twin brother) reportedly swiping an Xbox. While nothing's been "confirmed," Wisconsin cornerback Jack Ikegwuonu and Northern Illinois safety William Ikegwuonu have been accused of "breaking into an off-campus apartment and trying to steal an Xbox console." Both players now face burglary and criminal trespassing charges, and if convicted, will probably not face the maximum "four years in prison" penalty. Interestingly, Wisconsin is refusing to suspend their guy until "all the facts are gathered," presumably hoping to squeak him in the lineup for the team's January bowl, while NIU has already dropped the axe on ole William, who didn't start a single game all season. But hey, at least he can simulate the team's Poinsettia Bowl matchup on a (rightfully purchased) Xbox, right?

UPDATE: Looks like U-Dub did the right thing and temporarily suspended Jack from practice and bowl competition, however their athletic director did not that this decision could change "as more facts become available." We shall see.

[Thanks, Eric]

[Casey @ Dec 1st 2006 11:07AM]

Sad thing is Jack Ikegwuonu is an all Big 10 player and now he won't be playing for UW's Bowl Game!

[Wonderboy @ Dec 1st 2006 11:11AM]

The whole point of him not being suspended yet is that he can play. His next hearing is set for mid January which means he'll most likely be playing in the bowl game. It's the not-so-talented twin brother that's already been suspended.

[JinKazama @ Dec 1st 2006 11:11AM]

Idiots...had they just asked a booster he/she would have slid them enough to get a PS3.

[Chocolate Starfish @ Dec 1st 2006 11:33AM]

Go Badgers!

[Bill @ Dec 1st 2006 11:33AM]

i went to high school with them

[Matt B @ Dec 1st 2006 11:55AM]

At least try to steal something with some value. Nothing shouts 'shame' like going down as a last GEN thief.

[Chris P. @ Dec 1st 2006 12:09PM]

Do they get to keep their jersey numbers as their prisoner numbers? One can only hope.

[CatchWithoutArms @ Dec 1st 2006 12:22PM]

omg, i go to NIU...

[CatchWithoutArms @ Dec 1st 2006 12:22PM]

omg, i go to NIU and good thing he doesn't start... Poinsettia bowl Dec 17

[Vagrant @ Dec 1st 2006 2:22PM]

What happend to innocent until proven guilty?

Looks like Wisconsin remembered that important point.

[Tunji Afonja @ Dec 1st 2006 2:36PM]

I like the subtle reference to "Ole William". Ole is the Nigerian word for thief. The two guys have Nigerian Last names

[Bdoserror @ Dec 1st 2006 3:08PM]

If they hadn't suspended the other brother, I would have said that their lack of suspension was due to the whole "Innocent until proven guilty" thing, but they spoiled that. Really neither should have been suspended until the charges are proven.

[gwangi @ Dec 4th 2006 12:52PM]

Hey I work at NIU. Didn't even know this happened. Don't really read The Northern Star (NIU student paper) very often. Oh well.