FanHouse Illinois Football

Two receivers on the Illinois football team were arrested Friday on suspicion of burglary. After leaving an accident scene, they were apprehended by police who then found in their vehicle wallets, cell phones, electronic devices and laptop computers believed to be stolen.

Jody Ellis and Derrick McPhearson later plead not guilty to the burglary and theft charges on Monday. For all the brouhaha about Ron Zook's allegedly shady recruiting, this kind of flies in the face of that whole "his players are on the take" charge, doesn't it?

Ellis, from the Chicago suburb of Evanston, and McPhearson, from Hyattsville, Md., each posted $2,500 bail and were released from Champaign County Jail Sunday afternoon.

Neither football coach Ron Zook nor Athletic Director Ron Guenther were available for comment Monday, but a spokesman for the school's athletic programs said further disciplinary action is possible.

"The school is continuing to review the situation and a decision on their future with the program could come as early as today," spokesman Kent Brown said.

You gotta love anyone looking (allegedly) to stolen goods for spare change who comes from freakin' Evanston, a swank little university enclave near Chicago. Strange world we live in.

You already knew this if you follow recruiting and/or are a fan of Maryland or Illinois football. But if not, here's a sad, sad tale.

Melvin Alaeze was an all-world defensive end recruit out of Randallstown, Maryland a few years ago. He had offers from literally every major school and put on an amazing performance in the US Army High School All America game. He was tall, powerful and fast. There simply wasn't a better physical prospect in the country.

He was destined for stardom. Unfortunately, he's a terribly messed up kid.

His latest boo-boo is one that probably ends whatever limited chance he had to get his life back together. You see, Alaeze is now facing several charges including attempted murder.

Alaeze has been charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, armed robbery, car theft and use of a hand gun in the commission of a violent crime, according to Baltimore County court records.

He was arrested Jan. 13 in connection with the Christmas Eve incident at an apartment complex. The charges against Alaeze carry sentences ranging from life for attempted murder to five years for auto theft.

Those charges will effectively slam the door on any kind of college career if he doesn't end up behind bars.