Shalom Luani, the starting free safety for the Washington State University football team, was arrested Wednesday after breaking a man’s nose during a dispute outside a Domino’s Pizza in Pullman, near the school campus. Luani, a senior, was charged with second-degree assault, a felony.
According to PullmanRadio.com, Luani became verbally abusive because his order was taking too long. A manger offered Luani his money back, but Luani continued to be confrontational.
Several Domino’s patrons reportedly asked Luani to leave, including a 20-year-old WSU student who was struck by Luani. The two men went outside, where Luani broke the man’s nose. The man was treated at Pullman Regional Hospital.
Pullman police arrived at Domino’s, found Luani, and stated that the player was under influence of alcohol.
Luani, a 6-foot, 215-pound native of American Samoa who started 13 games last season in his first year at WSU, earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors. He finished with 90 tackles, third on team, three tackles for loss, four interceptions, six pass break-ups, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery. His four interceptions led the Cougars.
Washington State officials did not comment on what punishment Luani will face.
