Khary Crump is in trouble, again. The sixth-year college football defensive back shoved a referee during Saturday’s blowout between Rice and UTSA.
A punishment for his behavior has yet to be announced.
Unfortunately, Crump has a history of this kind of thing. He was involved with one of the most violent incident in recent college football history at Michigan State just a few years ago.
Who is Khary Crump?
A former three-star recruit in the Class of 2020, Crump initially committed to Arizona out of Culver City High School in California. He lasted only one year in Tucson before he hit the portal and transferred to Michigan State.
Crump totaled only seven snaps on special teams as a redshirt freshman in 2021, 11 snaps at defensive back in five games as a redshirt sophomore in 2022, and 16 snaps at defensive back in 2023. The 6-foot-0, 172-pound corner made two tackles.
Unfortunately, his time with the Spartans was marred by an ugly brawl in the tunnel at Michigan.
Crump was initially charged with felonious assault for striking Wolverines defensive back Gemon Green with his helmet. He later accepted a reduced misdemeanor charge as part of a plea deal.
The Washtenaw County prosecutor’s office ultimately sentenced Crump to 12 months of probation and 80 hours of community service under the Youthful Trainee Act.
“I had difficulties trying to stomach my actions […] on that fateful day, but it happened. I can’t take it back,” he said after the court hearing. “Honestly, I’m just looking forward to wuppin’ some maize and blue in the future — on the football field, of course.”
The Big Ten ultimately allowed him to return to the field after an eight-game suspension. Khary Crump entered the transfer portal after the 2023 season. He landed at Houston Christian
Crump had a breakout year with the Huskies in 2024 and recorded 40 tackles, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and 10 pass breakups. Rice brought him in for a sixth and final season in 2025.
Rice’s best defensive back pushed a referee.
The Owls dropped to 3-4 with a demoralizing 61-13 loss on Saturday. The score was not the lowlight.
Khary Crump found himself at the center of a scrum during the second half. He repeatedly punched at the ball to try and force a fumble.
A nearby official tried to pull Crump off of the pile, which led Crump to turn back around and shove him. Twice.
This is still wild to see. 😳 pic.twitter.com/Rwmb4PmYEQ
— Bootleg Bentley (@BootlegUTSA) October 13, 2025
Crump was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected from the contest. He claims it was a misunderstanding.
“I apologize Rice nation I let you down,” Crump wrote. “For you guys to open arms and give me another opportunity is all I can ask. My actions this game unacceptable but not ill intent me swinging in the pile was try get the ball out. I did not realize that was ref grabbing me until it was done.”
Additional punishment has yet to be announced but a suspension is likely.