Staff and wire reports

NORMAN, Okla. — Oklahoma freshman running back Joe Mixon, the school's top recruit, has been charged with misdemeanor assault.

The charge was handed down Friday by the Cleveland County District Attorney's office. He is accused of punching a woman during an argument, knocking her unconscious and breaking several bones in her face.

Mixon's attorney, Kevin Finlay, said in a statement that he was disappointed his client was charged, even though it was a lesser charge than assault and battery.

Finlay maintains his client acted in self defense.

According to an incident report obtained by USA TODAY Sports, police responded July 25 to Pickleman's Gourmet Café, which is close to the University of Oklahoma campus, after an altercation was reported.

The report also noted the 5-7, 130-pound woman had "apparent broken bones," and that alcohol was suspected to have been a factor. No suspect was listed, and there was "no known motivation" for the alleged assault and battery.

Amelia Rae Molitor, 20, told The Oklahoman that she did not know Mixon, but that after "harassing" a group of her friends, he punched her once.

"He broke my face in four places … my nose … my sinuses … they're broken," she told the newspaper.

Finlay's statement, issued Friday to USA TODAY Sports:

While we recognize that Joe has not been charged with the crime of assault and battery, we are still very disappointed that the Cleveland County District Attorney's office chose to charge Joe with a misdemeanor for grossly disturbing peace or public decency.

As we have maintained from the beginning, it is our belief that Joe reacted instinctively after being racially slurred and physically assaulted by a highly intoxicated young woman and her male friend. We strongly disagree with the series of events as portrayed by Norman PD. Justice knows no gender bias and we do not believe that Joe's actions were criminal in nature.

We are also disappointed that it appears that no assault and battery charges will be filed against the young woman for her actions on the morning of July 25th.

It is important to Joe and his family that he continues toward his goal of becoming a successful student-athlete both on and off the field at the University of Oklahoma. Joe looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name and put this unfortunate situation behind him.

Mixon has not participated in team activities since July 25, when Norman police say a woman at a local restaurant was hit in the face by Mixon. The school has yet to make a decision regarding Mixon's eligibility.

On signing day, Mixon was listed as Rivals.com's No. 1 running back and 247sports.com's No. 1 all-purpose back. As a senior at Freedom High School in Oakley, California, he gained nearly 2,100 yards and scored 30 touchdowns from scrimmage.

Contributing: Tess Quinlan of USA TODAY Sports; The Associated Press