Jasper Howard, the starting cornerback for the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) football team, was fatally stabbed oncampus during the early morning hours of October 8, 2009, following UConn’s victory over the University of Louisville. Members of Seton Hill University’s (SHU) football team reacted to the news of the star player’s untimely death.
By Andrew Wichrowski
Staff Writer
Jasper Howard, the starting cornerback for the University of Connecticut’s (UConn) football team, was fatally stabbed oncampus during the early morning hours of October 8, 2009, following UConn’s victory over the University of Louisville. Members of Seton Hill University’s (SHU) football team reacted to the news of the star player’s untimely death.
“I feel really bad for the player and his family, it’s a shame that something would happen like this,” said freshman linebacker Anthony DiPerna.
The stabbing occurred around 12:30 A.M. on Sunday following a pulled fire alarm and a dispute involving Howard and others at a homecoming dance on the UConn campus. Howard was airlifted to Saint Francis Care Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut, where he was pronounced dead.
“I don’t even really know how to feel about it,” said Joshua Cavalier, punter.
As a sophomore, Howard led the Big East conference in punt returns last year. During the game against Louisville, Howard forced a fumble as Louisville drove towards the end zone. UConn would go on to win the game, 38-25.
“It’s a shame that something like that would happen to such a good player like that,” said running back Antonio Johnson.
Although he did not recognize him by name, Cavalier recalled his performance in a football game against the University of Pittsburgh.
“He was impressive,” he said. “I thought he was a great athlete. He had a lot going for him. It’s just unfortunate that someone would do that to him.”
Many students on the football team also expressed their concern over the possibility of a similar attack at SHU.
“It can happen anywhere really,” said Johnson. “Someone’s jealous, someone’s mad about something, and they take it out on someone else. Unfortunately, he got his life taken.”
Cavalier recalled an incident earlier this year in Greensburg, where an intoxicated SHU student was fatally wounded following a standoff with state police.
“Obviously, with the shooting that happened last [academic] year, it’s not anything that uncommon. It happens around the country,” said Cavalier. “It’s possible.”
DiPerna expressed his sense of safety at SHU, but also mentioned the uncertainty of an attack.
“I think that there is enough security here that would prevent something like that from happening,” he said. “However, anything can happen. Many times players have to make smart decisions.”
As of October 28, 2009, police have made three arrests in connection with the altercation. None of those arrested are UConn students.
Howard was also expecting a child at the time of his death.
“That’s even worse. Now his child has to live without a father, not knowing who he was,” said Johnson.