UPDATE 3:15 PM CDT

Junior running back Greg Coleman and freshman defensive back Durrell Williams were suspended indefinitely from the ISU football team Thursday, coach Dan McCarney said in a press release.

Coleman and Williams were arrested on Wednesday in connection with an assault at Club Element, 2401 Chamberlain St., early Sunday morning.

“We have a prescribed system related to the conduct of all members of our football program and we will abide by that process,” McCarney said in the release. “I reserve the right to take additional disciplinary action when the legal process has taken its course in this incident.

“Every player on our football team knows that they will be held accountable for their behavior off the field. All those involved in this one incident are no exception.”

These suspensions come in addition to former ISU defensive end Jason Berryman’s dismissal from the team on Tuesday. Berryman was cited in Element for being a minor on the premises, but was not involved in the alleged assault. Freshman quarterback Brice Beck was also suspended for the Cyclones’ first game of the season against Toledo for receiving an OWI.

McCarney said the suspensions are consistent with the Iowa State student-athlete code of conduct.

ISU media relations and McCarney were not available for immediate comment.

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Turmoil continues to hit the ISU football team.

Backup runningback Greg Coleman and freshman defensive back Durrell Williams were arrested Wednesday in connection with an assault early Sunday morning at Club Element, 2401 Chamberlain St., according to Ames Police Department arrest records.

Williams was involved in an altercation in which he, without justification, assaulted former ISU student Nathan Johnson, causing a serious injury, which is a class D felony, said Ames Police Cmdr. Randy Kessel.

According to Williams’ arrest warrant, he punched Johnson in the face unprovoked, breaking a bone and knocking Johnson out.

Coleman’s warrant was for simple assault, for shoving Johnson, Kessel said.

Both were arrested and taken to Story County Jail Wednesday.

Coleman’s version of what happened in the club is similar to what the warrants listed, although he said he didn’t start the altercation, and said he plans on to file a complaint against Johnson.

Coleman said he went to enter the restroom in Element when Johnson grabbed him and accused him of cutting in line. He said he continued to walk into the restroom when he was pushed from behind by Johnson.

Coleman said he retaliated by pushing Johnson back.

“The reason I’m getting charged is because I shoved somebody in defense,” he said.

“I don’t get it.”

He said the two argued back-and-forth for several minutes.

That’s when Coleman said Williams intervened by punching Johnson in the face, knocking him out.

Coleman has been in trouble with the law before. According to Iowa Courts Online, in 2003 he was found guilty of interference with official acts causing bodily injury, and assault causing injury to a peace officer and others in Iowa City.

He received 30 days in jail, two years probation and community service.

Coleman said the incident in Iowa City was a big life lesson for him, and has tried to be a good citizen because he appreciates the opportunity to be a student athlete.

“Obviously I learned from my previous mistakes,” Coleman said. “I didn’t hit him. I showed a lot of restraint.”

He also said the charges against him don’t make sense, because people often get into shoving matches, and he was defending himself.

“How many people have shoved you first in your life, and you shoved them back?” Coleman said.

Johnson could not be reached for comment.

The events have unfolded in the wake of defensive end Jason Berryman’s dismissal from the team. Berryman was cited at Element Sunday morning for being a minor on the premises. He was not linked to the fight.

“Jason [Berryman’s] a great person at heart,” Coleman said. “He’s going to make it, regardless, and I wish him the best.”

In addition to playing in 10 games for the Cyclones in 2005, Coleman started for Stevie Hicks while he was injured. Coleman averaged about 42 yards per game.

ISU media relations and ISU coach Dan McCarney were unavailable for comment at the time of publication.