April 28--A former Northwestern University football player is facing weapons charges after a rifle and "metal knuckles" were found in his vehicle and ammunition was found in his dorm room, according to court records.
Xavier Menifield, 19, a running back from Valencia, Calif., was charged March 16 with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a felony, for having an unloaded rifle in his vehicle, parked outside Ryan Field, records say. Menifield allegedly did not have a valid firearm owner's ID card.
He was also charged with unlawful use of a weapon after a pair of metal knuckles were allegedly found in the vehicle, and possession of firearm ammunition without a firearm owners' ID card after the ammo was allegedly discovered in his dorm room.
Northwestern spokesman Alan Cubbage said that he could not discuss the matter because of federal privacy laws but added that Menifield was no longer enrolled at the school or a member of the team.
Menifield's attorneys did not return a phone call seeking comment. He is due back in court next month after being freed on bond.
Menifield redshirted during the 2013 season, his first on the team, and appeared in only one game last year, according to Northwestern statistics.
jkeilman@tribpub.com
