Nate Montana, 11 ND athletes arrested

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The son of former Notre Dame standout Joe Montana was among 11 Fighting Irish athletes arrested on misdemeanor charges of underage drinking at a party Friday night.

A total of 44 people were arrested after city police responded to a call about a fight near a roadway and discovered the party, said St. Joseph County Police assistant chief Bill Redman.

Two non-athletes face a misdemeanor charge of providing alcohol to minors. The arrests were handled by state excise police, who didn't immediately return a message seeking comment on Saturday.

The most recognizable athletes arrested were Nate Montana, a walk-on who was the backup to starter Dayne Crist coming out of the spring, and Tim Abromaitis, the second leading scorer on the Irish basketball team at 16.1 points a game last season.

Montana spent last season as a backup at Pasadena City (Calif.) College. Several incoming freshmen are expected to compete with him for the No. 2 spot when practice begins next month.

The other athletes arrested were wide receivers Robbie Toma and Tai-ler Jones, linebacker Steve Filer, kicker Nick Tausch, cornerback Lo Wood, and offensive linemen Chris Watt and Tate Nichols; incoming freshman point guard Eric Atkins; and incoming hockey goalie Steven Summerhays.

Most of those arrested had been released on $150 bond, Redman said. They are scheduled to make court appearances July 30.

If convicted, each faces a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said he was aware of the arrests and was gathering information.

"If there is any team-related discipline to be issued, it would be handled internally," he said.

Bernie Cafarelli, Notre Dame's sports information director, said basketball coach Mike Brey also would handle any punishment internally.

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