Cal suspends backup QB Levy after his role in bar fight

SAN FRANCISCO -- California suspended senior quarterback Steve Levy indefinitely on Monday after his arrest on felony assault charges stemming from an alleged bar fight.

Levy, who came off the bench to lead the Golden Bears' season-ending victories over Stanford and Brigham Young last season, spent most of Sunday in San Francisco County Jail after his arrest on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm.

According to police, the weapon was a pint glass from Kells Irish Restaurant and Pub in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood. After a bar employee broke up a dispute between Levy and another patron early Sunday morning, the quarterback picked up the glass and hit the employee in the face, San Francisco police Sgt. Neville Gittens said.

The 22-year-old Levy apparently tried to leave the bar after the incident, but was detained by people on the street until police arrived, Gittens said.

"We're aware of the situation with Steve, and he will be suspended from all team activities until we have more information," coach Jeff Tedford said.

Levy, a longtime backup who played fullback for one season earlier in his career, led the Golden Bears to season-ending wins in the Big Game and the Las Vegas Bowl in his first two career starts.

He was expected to compete for the starting job again when Cal's players report to training camp on Aug. 6, though Nate Longshore and Joe Ayoob moved ahead of him on the depth chart after Cal's spring game in April.

"We have taken our initial action," athletic director Sandy Barbour said. "Now we're gathering information, and any further action will take place after we feel like we have the complete facts."

Levy, a New York native, attended an elite New Jersey prep school before joining the Bears in 2002.