Sal Alosi while with the New York Jets in 2010. (Getty)
UCLA strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi was allegedly attacked by music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs during an argument at UCLA’s athletic complex, TMZ reports.
Diddy’s son, Justin Combs, is a junior defensive back on the Bruins football team. Alosi was not seriously injured in the incident, the university said in a statement. Diddy was charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon, a kettlebell. He was later also charged with two more counts of assault with a deadly weapon, making terrorist threats and battery.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Diddy Was Apparently Upset Over Alosi’s Treatment of His Son
According to the TMZ report, Diddy was taken into custody early Monday afternoon after a fight with an assistant coach at the UCLA athletic facility.
TMZ reports that the coach, Sal Alosi, was screaming at Justin Combs during a strength and conditioning session, while Diddy watched from the sideline. Diddy later confronted the coach in his office and attacked him, leading to his arrest.
Sources close to Diddy tell TMZ that he went to the campus to speak with Alosi, but the coach wouldn’t see him. Diddy went to Alosi’s office anyway and the coach threatened to call security if he didn’t leave. Diddy said he’d call police himself, and TMZ sources say Alosi snapped, attacking Diddy, who used the kettlebell in self-defense.
But UCLA sources tell a different story, saying to TMZ that Alosi was on the phone when he was confronted by Diddy. He told Diddy to “hang on,” TMZ reports, but Diddy didn’t want to wait, picking up the kettlebell weight and swinging it at Alosi.
“I’m thankful that our staff showed the level of professionalism that they did in handling this situation,” UCLA head football coach Jim Mora said in a statement. “This is an unfortunate incident for all parties involved. While UCPD continues to review this matter, we will let the legal process run its course and refrain from further comment at this time.”
2. Alosi Intentionally Tripped a Miami Dolphins Player While He Was a New York Jets Coach
Alosi became infamous for tripping Miami Dolphins defensive back Nolan Carroll during a Jets punt return in 2010 while he was a coach for New York. Alosi was caught on video extending his leg and causing Carroll to trip.
Alosi was initially fined $25,000 and suspended for the remainder of the season, but the suspension was later extended to indefinite after the Jets found that Alosi had instructed inactive players to line up near the field to interfere with opponents, the Washington Post reported at the time.
He later resigned from his job with the Jets in February 2011, according to ESPN.
“After speaking with Sal, he decided that it is best for him to tender his resignation at this time,” the Jets General Manager at the time, Mike Tannenbaum, said in a statement. “We appreciate all of Sal’s contributions during his tenure with the team. He played an invaluable role in our success and established what we feel is one of the better strength and conditioning programs in the NFL.”
Alosi had been with the Jets since 2007 and was making about $200,000 a year as their strength and conditioning coach. He previously was a coach for the Atlanta Falcons.
3. He Was Hired by UCLA After Resigning From His Position With the Jets
After resigning from his position with the Jets, Alosi spent one year as a strength and condition coach at Bryant University in Rhode Island. He then was hired by UCLA in 2012 to be a strength and conditioning coordinator.
4. He Was a Linebacker at Hofstra University & Is a Long Island Native
Alosi is a native of Massapequa, New York, on Long Island, and played as a linebacker the Division I-AA Hofstra University, graduating in 2001.
He led Hofstra to back-to-back playoff appearances, leading the team in tackles both seasons. He later was a coach at the school.
5. He Was Arrested on Assault Charges While in College for Attacking 3 Students in a Dorm Room
According to Newsday, Alosi was arrested in 1999 while he was a 21-year-old junior at Hofstra. Police said he was one of eight students who broke into a dorm room and assaulted three students.
He pleaded a charge of third-degree assault down to second-degree harassment and was given 20 hours of community service, the newspaper reported.
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Sal Alosi: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know