news-record.com

ASHEBORO (MCT) — Former Elon University quarterback Scott Riddle was arrested in Asheboro recently and charged with assault on a government official and resisting a public officer after an altercation that involved police using pepper spray.

Riddle, the all-time leading passer in Southern Conference football history, spoke about the matter with the Times-News on Wednesday night. He expressed remorse and frustration.

"I've made wrong decisions that I'm very embarrassed and sorry for," he said. "I want to apologize for my mistakes."

An Asheboro police report states that officers responded to an early-morning call about 3 a.m. Nov. 19 about a vehicle parked in a driveway.

There they found Riddle, 23, of Ramseur, unresponsive and slumped over in his truck. Officer R. Kindley woke Riddle. Kindley described Riddle as extremely inebriated and slow to respond.

Riddle told officers he was at a friend's house. Kindley responded that was not the case and that Riddle would need to arrange for transportation so his truck would not be towed.

Officers said Riddle became angered and charged Officer G. Routh. Officers said Riddle cursed Routh and bumped him in the chest.

Officers said Riddle was informed not to resist. When he did not comply, Kindley pepper-sprayed Riddle's face.

Riddle then was taken to Randolph County Jail and given a $500 bond.

Later that day, Riddle attended Elon's season finale football game against visiting Appalachian State. He greeted many of the Phoenix's 18 seniors and offered encouragement as they walked off the field downcast while dealing with the 28-24 loss at Rhodes Stadium.

"I'm doing everything I can to turn a negative into a positive," Riddle told the Times-News on Wednesday.

Riddle led Eastern Randolph High School to a state championship in 2006 before moving on to Elon, where he became a four-year starter from 2007-2010.

Riddle graduated as the holder of a combined 41 NCAA, Southern Conference and Elon records. His 13,264 career passing yards rank as the fifth-highest total ever amassed on the Football Championship Subdivision level.

He spent four days in training camp with the Jacksonville Jaguars this summer, after the NFL lockout ended.

Elon retired Riddle's No. 16 jersey in September. He's one of five Elon football players to receive that honor.