Bad news for Cam Thoroughman and Joe Mazzulla.

Update and a possible explanation after the jump.

Not to say such a thing can be minor, but neither Mazzulla nor Thoroughman looks to be in terrible trouble, though they’re not free from guilt either.

Mazzulla and Thoroughman, both 20, have been charged with resisting arrest, disorderly conduct and underage drinking. Mazzulla faces an additional count of aggravated assault.

Mazzulla was released on his own recognizance this morning. He has a hearing Aug. 6 at 8 a.m. Thoroughman had yet to see a magistrate as of early this afternoon.

“We are aware of the situation,” WVU Coach Bob Huggins said today in a statement released by the university’s sports information department. “We will let the judicial process take its course and the matter will be handled internally.”

So here’s a plausible explanation after spending the morning and afternoon working this story. Consider this a collection of facts and theories.

Mazzulla and Thoroughman are at a ball game having a few stadium beers. They’re being themselves and enjoying the night at the park, though gradually their behavior bothers those surrounding them. The security comes over and asks the players to follow them to the security room. This is usually when you’re checked out and asked to leave.

At this point, neither player knows he’s dealing with off-duty cops. The cops, though, sense the players have been drinking and are probably underaged.

They go to the room and the players get quizzed. They’re asked for IDs and things then get a little tricky.  To be honest, the players are probably a little obnoxious and security just wants them to leave. It’s eventually discovered Thoroughman isn’t 21 — or 17 or 18, as he’d said before — and he’s upset. He makes that lunge, which then causes the security to control Thoroughman. Thoroughman doesn’t want to be arrested.

Mazzulla sees his buddy is in trouble. He intervenes. He’s not trying to form a tag team and beat up the cops. He’s not rescuing a teammate in trouble. He’s hoping to calm Thoroughman down so he’s not arrested. He thinks he can calm the situation. In the process, though, he grabs one of the people subduing Thoroughman.

I can’t believe Mazzulla tried to punch a cop. I don’t. 

However, at this point everyone is on guard for hostile behavior, which is understandable, and things go downhill quickly for Mazzulla and Thoroughman.

We’ll know more soon. A police report will be available tomorrow. Mazzulla is due in court Wednesday and Thoroughman’s hearing will probably be right before or after.