OSU Linebacker Tyler Moeller's Alleged Assailant Identified, Charge Upgraded

By Ken Gordon and Tim May
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

The questions of who allegedly assaulted Ohio State linebacker Tyler Moeller and where it occurred have been answered, but why it happened remains unclear.

According to police and court reports, Moeller was punched by Ralph G. Decker (seen at right) at Gators Cafe & Saloon in Treasure Island, Fla., early in the morning of July 26.

Moeller's head hit the floor, and he spent several days in a Florida hospital before returning to Ohio and undergoing surgery Aug. 8 at OSU Medical Center.

A 21-year-old junior from Cincinnati who was listed as a starting linebacker, Moeller will miss the season.

Decker, 27, of Kenneth City, Fla., was arrested at 12:20 a.m. and charged with simple battery—a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by a maximum of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine.

He was booked into a Pinellas County jail and released after paying a $150 bond.

There are no details of the incident. The police report states only, "Male injured in fight with other male." According to Moeller's family, Tyler was punched without provocation.

A source close to the investigation told The Dispatch the charge might be upgraded to a felony, based on the extent of Moeller's injury.

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UPDATE: 8/24/2009

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As expected, Ralph Gray Decker, the man accused of punching OSU linebacker Tyler Moeller last month, now has been charged with felony battery.

Decker originally was accused of simple battery, a misdemeanor, after the July 26 incident in Treasure Island, Fla. Moeller hit his head, and ended up having surgery to relieve pressure on his brain. He will miss this season.

Prosecutors last week said they were pursuing a felony charge based on the seriousness of Moeller's injuries. And this morning, at 12:12 to be exact, Decker was arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department.

He is currently in jail, held on a $20,000 bond. If convicted, the maximum sentence is five years in prison and a $5,000 fine.


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Confirmed: Ohio State LB Tyler Moeller Will Miss Entire 2009 Season

by HD Handshoe
Founder
BlockONation.com


Details are sketchy at this point, but it appears Buckeye linebacker Tyler Moeller could miss part or even all of the 2009 season.

He was seen at the OSU Medical center on Saturday for tests related to a head injury he suffered a few weeks back.

The University isn't being specific but the word is that Tyler was at a bar down in Florida and when another patron found out he was a LB for Ohio State, he sucker-punched Moeller square in the face.

It was mentioned that the attacker may have been a Florida Gators or Miami Hurricanes fan, although that has not been substantiated thus far.

The exact cause of the injuries has not been confirmed either, so as of now, this is all speculative.

Moeller was expected to be the opening day starter at middle linebacker. If he misses part or all of this season, that could definitely cause the coaching staff to scramble for a resolution and open the door for Ross Homan, Etienne Sabino or Brian Rolle.

We here at BlockONation wish Tyler all the best for a speedy recovery and we'll update this story if and when any new information becomes available.

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UPDATE 8/9/09 5:10PM
There is a rumor that was posted on Twitter that Moeller had surgery today to relieve brain swelling as a result of the attack. As of now, that is a rumor and NOT confirmed.

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UPDATE 8/9/09 2:40PM
Posted by SuperBuckFan08 from ScarletBuckeye.com

It's surprising that this was kept under wraps as long as it was. Well, since the cat's out of the bag people need to stop guessing or starting any rumors.

Folks, this is a serious issue as Tyler was admitted to the hospital to reduce the swelling on his brain after suffering a seizure at Ohio Stadium during a team event as a result of his injury that took place in Florida after being "sucker punched" and his head hit the ground as many have stated. The good news is that they know who the assailant is and have third party witnesses. There will be repurcussions from this incident, but it's highly doubtful that Tyler will play this season and that is very unfortunate. He will not report with the team today; kind of hard to do that from a hospital bed after surgery yesterday.

Sure, there will be a lot of assumptions and questions but right now Tyler just needs support and prayers from the Buckeye Nation. Don't start assuming things and starting other rumors about why was he in Florida (he was on a family vacation) and got sucker punched. There are more details available but those REALLY DON'T MATTER right now, but they will come out in time. Don't expect to hear much right off the bat from Ohio State about the details either.

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