FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — Suspended TCU defensive end Devonte Fields posted on his Twitter account he plans to transfer to Stephen F. Austin, an FCS school where the preseason Big 12 defensive player of the year could be eligible to play this season.
Fields posted his intention on his protected Twitter account on Wednesday night, then confirmed in a text message to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that “it’s true.”
On a profile portion of Fields’ Twitter page that is visible to the public was the phrase “from TCU to SFA just trying to achieve my goal in life.”
Fields last month surrendered to authorities on a misdemeanor assault warrant amid allegations that he threatened his ex-girlfriend and punched her.
After Fields revealed his transfer plans, TCU officials said only the student-athlete remained “separated” from the university. That means Fields was barred from campus and all school activities while his case was being reviewed.
As of late Wednesday night, Fields was still listed on the football roster posted on the school’s athletic website.
TCU officials have not publicly acknowledged meeting with Fields, though he has indicated he met with university officials on Tuesday.
The school had said only that he process after a student is alleged to have violated the student conduct code, including any appeals, could take several days to complete.
Fields surrendered to Tarrant County authorities July 25, and was released a short time later after posting bond of $3,500.
Officers said the 20-year-old woman’s right cheek was swollen and she had a cut under an eye when they arrived at a Fort Worth home the previous weekend.
Considered a top NFL prospect by some, Fields had four tackles without a sack while playing only three games last season. He missed the season opener and parts of two other games for an unspecified violation of university and team rules before a season-ending foot injury that required surgery.
With a medical redshirt from last season, Fields is listed as a sophomore.
As a freshman in 2012, Fields was selected as the Big 12 defensive player of the year after he had 10 sacks and 18 1/2 tackles for loss.
Fields wrote on his Twitter account Wednesday night, “Just wanted to say thanks to TCU for the opportunity! Anxious to start a new chapter of life at SFA!! #Stillreppinpurple! #Blessed #Newstart”— a screen shot of which showed up online.