Rutgers Cornerback, Egg Harbor Native Max Melton Suspended

PISCATAWAY, NJ — Rutgers starting cornerback and Egg Harbor City native Malachi “Max” Melton has been suspended from the Scarlet Knights’ football team Tuesday after police said that he and a teammate were involved in a paintball gun incident Monday night.

Rutgers coach Greg Schiano issued a statement Tuesday announcing the suspension of Melton and Chris Long after both players were arrested Monday night. Schiano said he learned Tuesday that the players were taken into police custody and were "suspended immediately."

Rutgers Police said that the incident took place at around 10 p.m. on Monday night when university officers arrived in the Livingston Campus area in Piscataway. Police said that three students had reportedly been struck with paintballs that were shot from a vehicle, a police spokesman said.

The three suffered minor injuries, but declined further attention, police said. Both Melton and Long were arrested and charged with three counts of aggravated assault and the possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. Both players were released from custody but were ordered to appear in court on Nov. 4.

Rutgers travels to No. 19 Michigan on Saturday.

Melton, a Cedar Creek High School graduate, has been an impactful player for the Scarlet Knights in his second season. Melton has intercepted two passes and has blocked a punt along with registering eight solo tackles and one assist.