Former Bison linebacker facing charges over weekend shooting

FARGO, ND — A former NDSU Bison linebacker is in jail, following a weekend shooting incident in Fargo.

Jaiden Pickett is facing numerous charges including terrorizing, reckless endangerment and stealing a gun.

According to police, Pickett allegedly fired a gun at a house Saturday night, September 7, after he and another player were involved in an argument with a track athlete.

Police say the gun used in the shooting was stolen.

On Tuesday, Pickett was dismissed from the Bison football team.

Bison Head Coach Tim Polasek said it was a “clear-cut decision” to cut Pickett since he broke university rules.

Polasek says it has been a difficult couple of days.

“The young man made a huge, huge mistake, he’s going to have to lean into his faith and he’s going to have to lean into the people he has built relationships with to be able to bounce back from this,” Polasek said. “Just initially, it was really sad. On the other hand, I am really thankful — I prayed on it — nobody else was harmed in this great community and no student athletes were harmed. You struggle with the emotions of it, but I have to lead this football team and that’s what I’m focused on right now.”

Polasek added there is no indication that any other NDSU football players will be charged in the September 7 incident as of now.

He added he is trying to use the situation as a teaching moment for younger players.

Polasek recruited Pickett out of high school when he was coaching at Wyoming.

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