Chatsworth High Shortstop Arrested on Assault Charge

Matt Fisher, an 18-year-old Chatsworth High shortstop who played on the 1994 Northridge team that reached the Little League World Series championship game, has been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 20-year-old female student during a recruiting trip to San Diego State, police said.

The case has been forwarded to the San Diego County district attorney for review, San Diego police said.

Fisher’s father, Jack, said Thursday that his son “categorically denies” any wrongdoing.

Fisher was on an official weekend recruiting trip to San Diego State. He attended a fraternity party Saturday evening and later went to a residence where the alleged victim lives with several members of the Aztecs’ baseball team, police said.

Police said that early Sunday, Fisher entered the room where the woman was sleeping and sexually assaulted her.

Fisher was later arrested at the motel where he was staying. His father drove from Chatsworth and posted bond on $55,000 bail.

“My son has lost everything he ever worked for,” said Jack Fisher, who insists that the woman was awake while Matt was present and that the two did not have sex. “My son’s reputation has been ruined.”

He criticized San Diego State officials for having his son attend parties where alcohol was being served.

“There was nothing but beer drinking going on,” he said.

John Rosenthal, a San Diego State spokesman, said the school is investigating the actions of Fisher’s recruiting hosts.

Fisher has been one of the San Fernando Valley’s best and most visible baseball players. He was an All-City shortstop last season when Chatsworth won the City Championship at Dodger Stadium.

His Little League team, known as the “Earthquake Kids,” played for the world championship in Williamsport, Pa., where they lost to Venezuela.