Oregon freshman wide receiver Messiah Hampton was arrested on Friday following a high-speed chase involving two vehicles that evaded police on October 18, after the Ducks' victory over Nebraska. Hampton was booked into Lane County Jail and released later that evening on one felony charge of attempting to elude police and one misdemeanor count of reckless driving, according to jail records.
Springfield Police Deputy Chief George Crolly confirmed Hampton was identified as the driver of one vehicle, while authorities continue to search for the driver of the second vehicle. The abandoned vehicle from the chase was found near where wide receiver Evan Stewart was previously arrested for DUII, though Stewart is not considered a suspect and prosecutors declined to file charges. Tight end Jamari Johnson was also cited for speeding that same night but is not a suspect in the chase.
Hampton, who has 18 catches for 161 yards and two touchdowns this season, was listed as out on Oregon's availability report for the game against Illinois last week and again for Friday's report. The 4-3 Ducks face No. 20 Northwestern at Autzen Stadium on Saturday as they attempt to stay above .500 amid ongoing off-field distractions.
