Kansas State QB Ell Roberson Named as Sexual Assault Suspect on Eve of Fiesta Bowl

bucknuts.com ^

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Roberson Named In Sexual Assault Complaint By Steve Helwagen Managing Editor Date: Jan 1, 2004

Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson was named as a suspect in a sexual assault investigation by police in Paradise Valley, Ariz. The alleged assault occurred at 3:30 a.m. this morning at the team hotel. Police say Roberson was in custody for 10 hours, but has not been charged. His status for Friday's Fiesta Bowl was unclear. Click here for more details.

Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson was in police custody for 10 hours earlier today as they investigated a sexual assault complaint against him.

Roberson, 23, is named in a complaint filed with the Paradise Valley, Ariz., police department. His accuser, a female alumnus of Kansas State and a resident of Kansas, claims he attacked her at about 3:30 a.m. this morning at the team's hotel, the Scottsdale Plaza Resort.

However, Lt. Ron Warner of the Paradise Valley Police Department said Roberson has not been formally charged.

"No physical arrest is expected at this point," Warner told Bucknuts.com. "No physical evidence was found in the room. There were no evident physical injuries to the victim. She was examined medically and we await the results of that exam next week."

According to Warner, his department would then turn over its files to county attorney Rick Romley's office for a determination as to whether criminal charges will be filed.

"That would be determined by our county attorney if there is sufficient evidence to support a charge," Warner said.

Warner said Roberson told police that he has consensual sex with the alleged victim. The room involved was neither that of Roberson nor the woman.

Warner says police decided to issue a news release on the situation after a media inquiry.

As of 7 p.m. Eastern time, there had been no announcement from Kansas State officials or K-State head coach Bill Snyder regarding Roberson's status for Friday's Fiesta Bowl game against Ohio State.

According to one media report, KSU athletic director Ken Weiser said Snyder would decide Roberson's status for the game.

Lt. Warner told Bucknuts.com he met with Kansas State's chief of police at about 4:30 a.m. this morning to discuss the investigation. It is reasonable to assume that Snyder knew of the ongoing investigation when he met with the media this morning at 8:30 a.m. Roberson's status was not discussed at the media session.

"They were certainly aware of it," Lt. Warner said.

According to Lt. Warner, he was summoned to the hotel by Gordon Richards, head of security at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort.

"The victim reported it to the security officer at the hotel," Lt. Warner said. "There is evidence to support that they (Roberson and his accuser) knew each other previous to this incident. But there is no indication there was a sexual relationship."

Both Roberson and his accuser were interviewed at the Paradise Valley police headquarters. Roberson remained in police custody from about 4 a.m. until he was released at 2 p.m. The Kansas State team held its final practice at Sun Devil Stadium at 4 p.m. It is unclear whether Roberson attended that practice session.

A collection of media members covering both teams ventured to the K-State team hotel early this evening seeking an update on Roberson's status, but were turned away and escorted from the grounds by hotel security.

Roberson was the driving force behind Kansas State's 11-3 Big 12 championship team this year. The three-year starter earned third-team All-Big 12 honors after rushing for 943 yards and 13 touchdowns and throwing for 2,251 yards and 24 scores.

If Roberson is ruled ineligible for the Fiesta Bowl, Kansas State would likely turn to senior Jeff Schwinn. Schwinn started two early season games while Roberson was injured, including the loss to Marshall. For the year, the 6-2, 205-pound Schwinn completed 37 of 68 passes for 563 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions.

When and if Kansas State issues a statement regarding Roberson, we will update this report.

[rwfromkansas]

It's K-State.....there is actually the possibility that they would not play him. The reason would not be the allegations though, as her proof is very sparse. The reason would be his violation of curfew.

We likely won't know until the game about what will happen.

[rwfromkansas]

Definitely, and it seems to continue a string of bad luck the team has just when they finally seem to break that string....

[rwfromkansas]

True. If they charge him after the proof is there (it obviously will be; he admitted to having sex with her), that bothers me.

That shows the cops just automatically assume she is telling the truth, unlike any other crime in which the victim has to prove something.

Since there is no physical evidence of rape....no bruises no nothing....it seems a bit wrong to charge him if all they have is proof they had sex.

[LisaMalia]

If??? if??? you could be accused of murder with 3 witnesses and these football factories would play you anyway.

Not always. Ohio State's no nonsense policy on the Maurice Clarett situation(s) arguably cost us back to back National Championships. I have no doubt that Maurice would still be playing at some schools right now. Some colleges still play by the rules, and put doing what's right before $$$$s. (thank God)

[LisaMalia]

That shows the cops just automatically assume she is telling the truth, unlike any other crime in which the victim has to prove something.

Am I missing something, has he been charged? From what I've read, it seems like the police have gone out of their way to stress that these are ALLEGATIONS only.

This entire incident is upsetting for lots of reasons, but I don't think you can say Roberson is not getting the benefit of the doubt from law enforcement!

[governsleastgovernsbest]

Just ran a Google news search and don't see anything about charges being dropped. What station in what city did you hear it on? Perhaps they have a web page we can access.

[rwfromkansas]

He won't be charged for a week or so.

My comment was on the hypothetical that they would charge him solely based on evidence they had sex.

He has not been charged.

[LisaMalia]

I can tell you, Ohio State fans are not happy about this situation either. We know what it's like to have this kind of controversy spoil it for the student-athletes who have put many hours in working hard to get where they have.

[Sunshine Sister]

I heard it second hand that KMAJ radio (Topeka, KS) announced that the charges had been dropped. I don't have the faintest idea what is really happening. Perhaps the news was related to me incorrectly, or the radio station got it wrong to start with.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I went to the KMAJ web site, and found a link to an AP report saying that Roberson had been cleared to play in tonight's game. Here's the link:

http://www.cjonline.com/stories/010204/bre_roberson.shtml

The authorities are continuing to investigate the charges themselves, but so far he hasn't been charged. Frankly, though he of course might still be charged, I'd take this as a sign the evidence against him isn't strong. If there was strong evidence of guilt, I have to assume he'd be suspended, even if he hasn't been charged yet.

[Sunshine Sister]

Thank you for going to all this work. This is the first business day of the month and I'm to busy to take more than a peek at FR.

[Godfollow]

When will these idiot sports personalities figure this thing out. El Roberson is an idiot... if the coach had any 'nads he'd bench this fool. If I were a team mate, I'd kick the guy in the ass soo hard, he'd be spittin' shoe leather through his teeth.

[rwfromkansas]

From www.kwch.com:

Scottsdale, AZ -- Kansas State Director of Athletics Tim Weiser said Friday that a thorough review of allegations against senior quarterback Ell Roberson has led the University to conclude that no criminal act occurred.

"The University views this situation very seriously and has been working closely with law enforcement throughout this investigation," Weiser said. "We appreciate the manner in which this investigation is being handled and look forward to an expeditious resolution."

Weiser said that (the) University's understanding is that the Paradise Valley Police Department will submit the findings of its investigation to the Maricopa County Attorney for review. "Although this is standard investigative procedure, the process is such that an official resolution to this matter cannot be completed prior to tonight's game."

Weiser reiterated that Head Coach Bill Snyder would make any decision regarding the playing status of Roberson and it will be a game-time decision.

[LisaMalia]

It's official. Roberson is starting.

[governsleastgovernsbest]

I found it interesting that Coach Snyder said that the evidence suggests that he's innocent, and that that made his decision easier.

[LisaMalia]

I found it interesting that Coach Snyder said that the evidence suggests that he's innocent, and that that made his decision easier

Each team has their rules, I guess. They're the ones who have to deal with them in the end.

[fso301]

What is a "nice" woman doing out at a player's hotel after midnight?

Out to make a fortune if she or someone she knows had a sizeable bet against KState.

[WatchOutForSnakes]

He may be innocent of the charges but he is not innocent of breaking curfew and team rules. Snyder has no integrity. I guess if you're good you can do anything you want. Way to set a good example for young people, Snyder.

[LisaMalia]

I guess if you're good you can do anything you want

NOT IN BUCKEYE COUNTRY!!!!!

[WatchOutForSnakes]

Good. Glad to hear it. There are still some coaches out there that know what's really important. GO BUCKEYES!!!

Oh, and by the way, since I'm rooting for the Buckeyes tonight could you return the favor and pull for the Fighting Tigers against Oklahoma on Sunday??