3 University of Tennessee football players arrested in armed robbery

18-year-old University of Tennessee football players Janzen Jackson, Mike Edwards and Nu’Keese Richardson, along with female companion and alleged driver Marie Montmarquet, 22, were arrested in an attempted armed robbery at a Pilot gas station in Knoxville.

All four suspects face three charges of attempted armed robbery, and Montmarquet faces additional drug charges. The incident occurred shortly after 1:40 am, and police were soon alerted to a robbery in progress. Officers found 20-year-old Corey B. Zickefoose, 19-year-old Benjamin J. Everett and 18-year-old Corey M. Smith, who reported being accosted by two men in black hoodies that had emerged from a 2010 Toyota Prius. The suspects fled after the victims emptied their pockets and denied having any money or items of value.

Officers quickly apprehended the players and Montmarquet, and returned them to the Pilot station, where positive IDs were made by the victims. UT athletic director Mike Hamilton made a statement this morning about the incident:

“At this time we are currently evaluating the circumstances surrounding an incident involving Mike Edwards, Janzen Jackson and Nu’Keese Richardson,” Hamilton said. “Any decisions or comments regarding their status will not be made until the evaluations are complete.”

Bail was set at $19,500 for Richardson and Edwards, and $15,000 for Jackson. Montmarquet was held on $119,000 bond.

[Source: Knox News]