Two NIU football players were arrested May 14 for their alleged participation in a Jan. 21 fight.

Linebacker William Ikegwuonwu, a sophomore business administration major, and running back Terrence Griffin, a pre-communication studies major, were both arrested.

Police had to investigate and come out with real facts, said DeKalb police Lt. Jim Kayes. It took the police this long to make the arrests because it was difficult to gather more information and interview witnesses, victims and suspects, he said.

After the arrest, Griffin paid $100 and Ikegwuonwu paid $500, or 10 percent of their bails.

The football players got in a fight on Blackhawk Road in DeKalb while getting out of a bar, Kayes said.

Ikegwuonwu was charged with aggravated battery for kicking someone in the face and Griffin with battery because he struck someone with his fist, according to DeKalb County circuit records.

Ikegwuonwu and Griffin have been suspended from the football team.

If convicted of a felony NIU football players cannot play on the team anymore, NIU coach Joe Novak said.

Griffin was in court Monday and Ikegwuonwu’s court date is July 22.

Battery is the unlawful use of force by one person on another, and it’s usually a misdemeanor crime, although the use of any weapon or instrument in the battery generally makes the crime more serious.

In order to be defined as battery the action must involve some physical contact between the perpetrator and the victim.

Aggravated battery is a more serious form of battery and is considered a felony.