Two members of the University football team were arrested Monday night on counts of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and identity theft, according to LSUPD. Zhamal Thomas, of 105 Arbor Lane, New Iberia, and Troy Giddens, of 99 Hansen Avenue, Hammond, were arrested at 10 p.m. Monday and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. LSUPD spokesman Capt. Russell Rogé said Thomas, an offensive lineman, was charged with a count of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and Giddens, a defensive back, was charged with counts of simple burglary of an inhabited dwelling and identity theft. “They have been suspended from the team,” said Michael Bonnette, University sports information director. Rogé said the arrest is related to an on-campus apartment burglary March 27. Rogé said the athletes allegedly broke into an apartment in West Campus Apartments and stole a backpack containing “an Apple iPod and a wallet containing ID’s and credit cards.” Rogé said the victim, a female student who could not be identified, notified LSUPD that the backpack was stolen. “Later that day she was notified by the credit card company of unauthorized charges and then notified us immediately,” Rogé said. Rogé said LSUPD officers conducted an investigation and arrested the athletes Tuesday night. Rogé said the Athletic Department and the Office of the Dean of Students were notified. Bonnette said he does not know when head football coach Les Miles will make a decision concerning the players’ future with the team. “He will gather all the information, meet with the players and make a decision,” Bonnette said. Thomas, a redshirt freshman, was widely considered the state’s top offensive line prospect and one of the top prospects in the South, according to LSUsports.net in 2005. Giddens, a defensive back who redshirted last season, was also a high school football standout. Giddens was highly ranked in high school, including LSWA First-Team Class 5A All-state, The Baton Rouge Advocate’s Super Dozen and was ranked on many football recruiting Web sites. Bonnette said the players are not allowed to have contact with the football team.
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