Chace Calicut’s spokespeople suggest his deceased friend is to blame for incident that led to aggravated assault charges.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A four-star recruit who officially committed to the University of Georgia just last month spent this week making news off the field.
“I’d like to thank the entire community, friends, and family who’s been supporting us,” said Chace Calicut’s father, Walter, during a Friday news conference on the family’s front lawn.
The 17-year-old North Shore High School football didn’t speak himself and was represented by community activists Candice Matthews and Quanell X.
“We’re here on behalf of Chace Calicut who we believe was wrongfully accused and wrongfully charged in this case,” Quanell X.
Harris County Sheriff’s investigators say Calicut was behind this wheel of a black Escalade back on July 6 when former teammate Isaiah Phillip fired shots from the passenger’s seat at two other North Shore students in a separate car.
Texas’s “law of parties” means Calicut may also be culpable but advocates claim he was forced into his actions that night by Phillip.
“He was a victim that night, not a criminal,” said Quanell X. “He wanted to come home, he wanted to leave the situation, he wanted to go about his business.”
“But, under threat, make it crystal clear, under threat, this young man was in the vehicle under threat.”
Phillip, who police say pulled the trigger, was also charged.
However, he died last weekend during an apparently unrelated pool party shooting, so his side of the story may never be known.
“I hate what happened to Isaiah, I really do,” said Quanell X. “His family are in our prayers, let the young man rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, Calicut’s future in college football remains murky.
“I am telling you, Georgia’s got a damn good ball player and they’ve got a very good kid of good character,” said Quanell X. “Once the truth comes out, and it will come out, we believe he will be vindicated.”
KHOU 11 News reached out to UGA earlier in the week but the NCAA prohibits comments on recruits before a National Letter of Intent is officially signed with other agreements.
Galena Park ISD hasn’t responded to questions about his status with North Shore.
Advocates also took aim at the investigation.
However, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office stands behind the preliminary evidence the charges are based on and added the case remains under investigation.