Former Oregon Ducks Football Player Arrested for Allegedly Pistol-Whipping Person on Christmas

Mar. 15, 2025

Ryan Pellum in November 2024.Photo:Ali Gradischer/Getty

Ali Gradischer/Getty

Oregon Ducks wide receiver Ryan Pellum (real name Ryan Tristan Chance Taylor) was arrested in Springfield, Ore., on a nationwide extradition warrantfrom his hometown of Long Beach, Calif., according to the affidavit.

Taylor, 19, was accused of “pistol-whipping” a person in California on Christmas Day, per KEZI 9. He allegedly injured the victim’s head, prompting the person to need stitches. Taylor allegedly then fired two shots in “an unknown direction,” per court documents.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, Eugene police found Taylor at an apartment in Springfield. He allegedly told authorities that he was aware of the California warrant but did not provide further comment, per court records.

Taylor was taken to the Lane County Jail. On Thursday, Jan. 9, an unknown person posted bail for an unknown amount after Taylor waived extradition. California has until Jan. 23 to pick him up to appear in court there.

Ryan Pellum on August 31, 2024 in Eugene, Oregon.Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty

Brandon Sloter/Image Of Sport/Getty

Days before his arrest, on Monday, Jan. 6, Taylor entered the transfer portal after his first season with the Oregon Ducks. He was a four-star recruit in the 2024 class recruiting class and graduated from Millikan High School in Long Beach, Calif. Taylor originally agreed to join the USC Trojans and then switched to the University of Oregon, where he played four games.

“A spokesperson with the university said Taylor is no longer enrolled at the school and no longer a member of the Ducks,“KEZI 9reported.

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Representatives for the City of Long Beach and UO Athletics did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Friday.

source: people.com