The Ball State men's basketball team was missing a player on Saturday because of an arrest made earlier that morning.

Muncie police responded to the 1200 block of W. Bethel Ave. shortly before midnight Friday for a possible battery. 

When police arrived, they spoke to an Uber driver who said Walker was hitting a female passenger in his Uber.  

Jontrell Walker, a guard for the Cardinals, was booked on preliminary charges of domestic battery and interference with reporting a crime. He was admitted into Delaware County jail at 12:46 a.m. Saturday, according to authorities.

Walker told police the victim grabbed a knife, continued to argue with him and stated she was going to call police. 

Walker took the victim’s phone so she could not call the police. 

Prior to Saturday's game, it was announced that Walker would not play due to a "violation of team rules." Following Ball State's 20-point loss to Buffalo on Saturday, head coach James Whitford had this to say on Walker's suspension:

"I don't have enough information on Jontrell. He is suspended indefinitely, and that's all I'll say." 

Walker, a redshirt junior who previously played at Incarnate Word, saw nine starts in his 14 games this season. He averaged 22.7 minutes of action, 7.9 points per game and was second on the team in terms of 3-point percentage (.380). 

Walker became the second player to be suspended from the Ball State basketball team this season. Senior guard Jeremie Tyler sat out games against Oklahoma, Stony Brook and Oregon earlier this season after a suspension.

Walker was released from jail on Saturday afternoon after posting a $5,000 bond. 

Contact men's basketball reporter Robby General at rjgeneral@bsu.edu or on Twitter @rgeneraljr. Contact Andrew Smith with comments at ajsmith15@bsu.edu or on Twitter at @AndrewSmithNews.

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