The University of Arkansas responded on two fronts today to the recent allegation by an 18-year-old freshman that she was sexually assaulted by basketball players while partying at the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity house on campus in late August. The prosecuting attorney concluded there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges over what others involved said were consensual acts. The woman, through an attorney, has continued to insist an assault occurred and said she’s contemplating further action.

* The Athletic Department has completed its review and decided that two- to three-game suspensions will be given to players involved. The players are not identified and the department release doesn’t say how many will be disciplined. Here’s the full statement. (There’s also mention of community service, individual counseling and educational sessions for all team members on exercising “good judgment:”, etc.) Said Athletic Director Jeff Long:

Advertisement

“…Coach Pelphrey has consistently and proactively dealt with inappropriate conduct and other team issues. Coach Pelphrey and his staff have my full support as they continue to lead our basketball program in a manner that demands student-athlete accountability on and off the court.”

* Separately, the University issued a statement about an ongoing investigation of violations of the student life code and said some restrictions had already been placed on the fraternity where the party was held in late August. That statement follows.

Advertisement

Two basketball players were witnessed having sexual contact with the woman, while a third, according to a witness, was grinding against her in in a frat bedroom. They said the woman consented. Several days later, a fourth basketball player made a coarse, jocular statement on his Twitter account that seemed to refer to the incident. Thursday’s athletic department statement gives no indication of whether all four face some form of discipline.

KNEEJERK REACTION: 1) “Cleared” is a poor word choice to refer to the players when the woman still insists she was assaulted and when the prosecutor didn’t use that term or anything like it. 2) Richardson-era UA precedent holds: a publicly disclosed gang bang equals a couple of no-consequence games on the pines. At least the athletic director didn’t say “boys will be boys.”

Advertisement

Be a Part of the Fight

Step up and make a difference by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times, the progressive, alternative newspaper in Little Rock that's been fighting for truth for 50 years. Our tough, determined, and feisty journalism has earned us over 63,000 Facebook followers, 58,000 Twitter followers, 35,000 Arkansas blog followers, and 70,000 daily email blasts, all of whom value our commitment to holding the powerful accountable. But we need your help to do even more. By subscribing or donating, you'll not only have access to all of our articles, but you'll also be supporting our efforts to hire more writers and expand our coverage. Join us in the fight for truth by subscribing or donating to the Arkansas Times today.

Previous article Idolatry grows church membership in Conway Next article Bishop Allen coming back to LR