Report: Oklahoma RB Rodney Anderson ‘unlikely’ to face criminal charges in sexual assault investigation
Oklahoma starting running back Rodney Anderson is reportedly unlikely to face criminal charges as a result of the sexual assault allegations against him.
A University of Oklahoma employee has accused Anderson of sexually assaulting her on Nov. 16. The Norman Police Department is investigating the allegations, but Anderson is not likely to be charged, according the The Oklahoman’s Brooke Pryor.
From The Oklahoman:
Anderson, 21, has not been arrested and a criminal charge is considered unlikely under the circumstances. Among the evidence in Anderson’s favor are text messages sent to him by the woman since Nov. 16, sources told The Oklahoman.
A judge issued a protective order against Anderson on Monday, requiring him to stay away from the alleged victim and her residence. In the petition for the protective order, the woman said Anderson assaulted her at her apartment and that she was “scared for [her] safety.”
From the alleged victim’s petition for the protective order:
“I was drinking at a bar and met some guys, including Rodney Anderson, for the first time through conversation. We went to a second bar and I was planning on ubering home myself, Rodney’s friends were insistent that he take me home. All I remember for the night was kissing him and vomiting for about 20 minutes. This past weekend, I was talking to a friend about the night and started recalling images [of the alleged incident]. I remember feeling like I couldn’t get away.”
Anderson’s attorney, Derek Chance, called the allegations “patently false” and that the woman “attempted to pursue a relationship” with Anderson after the night of the alleged incident. Anderson has publicly denied the allegations.
In my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd have to set up a Twitter account to defend myself. In the most possible straightforward and honest manner, I did not do this.@espn
— Rodney Anderson (@24RAnderson) December 5, 2017
The school has said that it is “aware of the situation” and working to gather more information. It is unclear if there will be a separate investigation carried out by Oklahoma in any way, such as from the Title IX office.
Anderson’s status on the football team has not changed.
No. 1 Oklahoma will play No. 3 Georgia in a College Football Playoff semifinal at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1.
This story was written by Matt Jennings and originally appeared on DieHards.com here.
