Schaeffer, Smith charged with misdemeanor assault

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee quarterback Brent Schaeffer and receiver Bret Smith were charged with hitting a man who was arguing with Schaeffer's girlfriend in a campus dorm.

The players were arrested at a dorm where many athletes live. They were charged with misdemeanor assault and released on their own recognizance Sunday. Their arraignments are set for April 18.

Part of Schaeffer's involvement was caught on tape by a video camera in the dorm lobby, University of Tennessee police said.

Athletic department officials were looking into the charges and had no immediate comment Monday. Coach Phillip Fulmer was to meet with players later in the day.

Schaeffer's lawyer didn't immediately return call. Smith could not be reached for comment.

Quantavios Emerson was arguing with Schaeffer's girlfriend about her cell phone Sunday when Schaeffer hit Emerson in the neck, according to an affidavit campus police filed in court.

Brent Schaeffer split time with fellow freshman Erik Ainge at QB in 2004. (Getty Images)

The video showed Schaeffer throwing Emerson to the ground. Campus police said Smith was not seen in the tape.

Last season, Schaeffer became the first true freshman to start a Southeastern Conference opener since 1945. He and freshman Erik Ainge were considered co-starters until both were injured. Schaeffer, who broke his collarbone at South Carolina, was trying to regain the starting job this spring with Ainge and senior Rick Clausen.

Smith led all receivers last year as a sophomore with five touchdown catches.