Former Syracuse running back Delone Carter is being asked to pay $40,000 to a Syracuse University alumnus whom he punched in the face in 2010, The Post-Standard reported on Friday. Carter will also pay any of William Hotaling’s out-of-pocket medical expenses in addition to the $40,000 for Hotaling’s pain and suffering.

Hotaling had originally asked for $235,000, The Post-Standard reported. Carter offered $20,000.

Hotaling’s lawyer, Sidney Cominsky, told The Post-Standard that he plans to file an appeal.

At 1 a.m. on February 27, 2010, Carter punched Hotaling, then an SU student, in the face after the SUV Carter was in on Waverly Avenue was hit by a snowball. Carter got out of the car and punched Hotaling in the face. Hotaling fell to the ground and hit his head on the concrete as Carter fled the scene.

In a lawsuit filed after the incident, Hotaling said he suffered, among many things, a concussion, multiple facial fractures, and shattered cartilage in his right ear, a dislocated jaw, adjustment of the sinus, and “various abrasions and contusions.”

Carter pleaded guilty to harassment, a violation, and admitted to the crime three years ago in Onondaga County Criminal Court. He was arrested in a spring football practice in 2010 and charged with misdemeanor assault. Carter made this statement:

“On February 27, 2010, I punched William Jay Hotaling in the face without his consent. I understand that he never threw a snowball at my car and he did not throw one at me or threaten my in any way. Mr. Hotaling did not start any altercation with me or anyone I was with that night. When I hit Mr. Hotaling, I was not acting in self-defense, and I never felt threatened by him or the individual he was walking with. After I hit Mr. Hotaling, he fell to the ground, and I returned to my car.”

Carter’s 3,104 career rushing yards rank third on the Orange career rushing list. Carter is tied for seventh on SU’s career rushing touchdown list (24) and tied for eighth in career touchdowns (25). In 2011, Carter was drafted by the Indianapolis in the 4th round  – 119th overall) and had 32 carries for 122 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie.

Published on July 19, 2013 at 1:11 pm

Contact Josh: jmhyber@syr.edu