Daquein McNeil, a sophomore guard with the Minnesota Golden Gophers basketball team, had been charged with two felony counts of assault stemming from an attack Monday on his girlfriend. Due to the felonies, his future with the Gophers is now in doubt.

Hennepin County Mike Freeman said in a press conference last Wednesday, that there was a "real hope" for McNeil to turn the corner on the tragedies that marked his childhood.

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He added that it is very sad and disappointing when he was detailing the charges that put McNeil's future at risk. He had strangled the woman and whipped her with a leather belt, leaving bruises and marks on her body.

"This is a young man who obviously has been through some very difficult times in his life ... has come to our university playing basketball and seems to have shaken some of the tragedies and the difficulties in his life," Freeman said.

"Having said that, the police report, the witnesses, the photographs of the wounds that his girlfriend has suffered are just not acceptable."

Freeman ended the conference by saying that he does not know what prompted McNeil's actions. Also, he says that there is no indication that McNeil had any similar violent incidents with the woman previously.

The 20-year old basketball player was charged with third degree assault which is punishable by up to five years in prison and/or a US $3,000 to $10,000 fine.

In addition, domestic assault by strangulation is punishable by three years in prison and/or a US $5,000 fine.

His bail was set for US $75,000 and his first court date will be held on Monday. Apart from these, he has also been ordered to stay a reasonable distance away from his 28-year old girlfriend and not contact her.

Throughout the legal process, McNeil will be suspended from any team-related activities, said University Athletic Director Norwood Teague. 

TagsDaquein McNeil, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Felony Counts