Former Syracuse player facing harsher charges in stabbings

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) A former Syracuse University football player has been indicted on first-degree assault charges in connection with the stabbings of two former teammates.

The indictment handed down Thursday against 20-year-old Naesean Howard also includes charges of second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Howard is accused of attacking defensive backs Chauncey Scissum and Corey Winfield at a barbecue in mid-April on the university's south campus.

Police say Scissum was critically injured with wounds to his neck, chest, left shoulder and bottom lip. Winfield was stabbed in the lower back, chest, abdomen and left wrist. Both are recovering.

Howard, who has been suspended from the university indefinitely, remains free on bail. No date has been set for his arraignment.