News

Actions

Former CU Buffaloes assistant football coach Joe Tumpkin charged with assault

Former CU coach Joe Tumpkin charged with assault
Posted at 10:48 AM, Jan 31, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-31 19:53:04-05

BOULDER, Colo. — Just one day after Joe Tumpkin left his post as a University of Colorado Boulder assistant football coach, police have charged the embattled man with felony assault. 

Tumpkin resigned last week, slating Monday as his last day with the school after helping to lead the Buffaloes to a highly successful season with Head Coach Mike MacIntyre. 

The Broomfield man has been under investigation by police after his ex-girlfriend filed for restraining orders in court amid allegations of domestic violence. The investigation prompted CU Boulder officials to suspend him, then call for his resignation. 

Tuesday, charges were filed against Tumpkin for five counts of felony second-degree assault and three counts of misdemeanor third-degree assault.

Tumpkin allegedly used his hands "as a deadly weapon" to cause injury to his ex-girlfriend, as well as strangling her. The alleged beatings happened between Feb. 27, 2015 and Nov. 20, 2016, police said. 

Tumpkin's former girlfriend has been granted the restraining orders she requested in court. 

When asked, officials did not yet know if Tumpkin had hired an attorney for representation as he has not yet answered the charges. 

As Tumpkin resigned, he was slated to receive two months of severance pay, a payout for unused vacation time and compensation for achieving an appearance in a bowl game. All told, his final paycheck from the university will be $79,299.
 
CU Boulder said they began looking for a replacement last week. 

---------

Sign up for Denver7 email alerts to stay informed about breaking news and daily headlines.

Or, keep up-to-date by following Denver7 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.