*UPDATE* The University has issued a second statement from Robin Holmes, vice president for student affairs, and Rob Mullens, athletic director.
The University of Oregon takes all student misconduct that threatens the safety of our students very seriously. We have a clear obligation and responsibility to act in a way that protects all members of our campus community, and our first priority is always to ensure the safety and support of our students.
Questions have arisen regarding the timeliness of the university’s involvement in the matter reported about University of Oregon basketball. Law enforcement agencies often request that the university wait to take action in order to avoid interference with an open criminal investigation. We responded accordingly in this situation. In all cases we begin investigating immediately, and aggressively address situations in accordance with the law, our internal code of conduct, and our commitment and obligation to protect and support our students. *END UPDATE*
The NCAA has a very big problem on its hands if breaking rumors about three Oregon Ducks basketball players, Dominic Artis, Damyean Dotson and Brandon Austin, are true. According to reports, the three players have been dismissed from the team for their roles in multiple sexual assaults of a woman at a house party in March thrown by fellow teammate Johnathan Loyd.
According to a police report, the woman claims Artis, Dotson and Austin each assaulted her three in the same night-twice in the bathroom at the party, the first being interrupted by someone entering, and later on at an apartment.
Dotson was the only player investigated for the rape, although Artis and Austin were both named in the police report which can be read in full here. At the time of the incident the three players were said to be "not currently participating in any team activities," according to the University. Now, they've been kicked off the team entirely.
The three are almost certain to escape legal consequences since the Lane County District Attorney's office cited a lack of evidence to move forward with prosecution. "While there is no doubt the incidents occurred, the conflicting statements and actions by the victim make this case unprovable as a criminal case," the DA's office said in a statement.
Oregon president Michael Gottfredson issued a lengthy statement of his own addressing the matter.
"We are deeply concerned about information contained in the police report recently released by the Eugene Police Department. Federal laws that protect the privacy of all students preclude the university from commenting about students. However, the university takes allegations of misconduct very seriously. In addition, a full range of services and support are offered to students, including those required by Title IX and others beyond the requirements of Title IX. The university has established internal conduct processes for handling misconduct allegations. At this point, we ask that you please respect the processes and student privacy."
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