New Allegations Highlight Penn State’s Past Handling Of Assault Incidents

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Penn State University faces renewed scrutiny over its handling of sexual assault allegations as two former football players are charged with rape.

At a Glance

  • Former Penn State football players Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys face felony rape charges
  • The alleged incident involved a 17-year-old female student in university housing
  • Coach James Franklin refused to comment, deferring to a program spokesman
  • The case resurfaces concerns about Penn State’s history of handling sexual assault allegations

Former Players Charged with Rape

Penn State University is once again in the spotlight for its handling of sexual assault allegations involving its football program. Two former players, Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys, have been charged with felony rape and sexual assault. The charges stem from an alleged incident in early July involving a 17-year-old female Penn State student at university housing.

According to the criminal complaint, the victim was allegedly provided alcohol, became impaired, and was subsequently assaulted by Lyons and Keys. A short video documenting indecent contact was reportedly found on Keys’ phone. Both players were removed from the university and team before the 2024 season and were arraigned in State College, with unsecured bails set at $500,000 and $400,000, respectively.

University’s Response Under Fire

Penn State’s response to the allegations has been met with criticism. Coach James Franklin refused to comment on the situation during a recent press conference, deferring to a program spokesman. This reluctance to engage directly with reporters has intensified media focus on the university, with many questioning the athletic department’s ability to appropriately manage and respond to such grave allegations.

“We are aware of the serious charges against Mr. Keys and Mr. Lyons, who are no longer enrolled at the University. The safety of our community is our top priority, and Penn State takes any report of sexual assault or misconduct very seriously and investigates any and all reports,” Penn State said in a statement.

The university’s prepared statement, read by spokesman Greg Kincaid, was deemed inadequate by many observers. This response has reignited concerns about Penn State’s commitment to transparency and accountability in handling sexual assault cases, particularly those involving high-profile athletes.

A Troubling History

This incident is not the first time Penn State has faced scrutiny over its handling of sexual assault allegations. The university is still grappling with the aftermath of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, which exposed systemic failures in reporting and addressing sexual abuse within the football program. Additionally, Penn State’s handling of a 1999 sexual assault allegation involving former athlete Nate Parker has resurfaced amid these new charges.

“I don’t think there are a lot of universities that handle these things well,” said Samantha Harris.

Penn State was among 55 universities investigated for non-compliance with federal guidelines on handling sexual assault. In response to these past issues, the university has implemented changes, including a bystander intervention program and the Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response. However, the current case suggests that there may still be room for improvement in the university’s approach to such serious allegations.

The Broader Context

The Penn State case is part of a larger pattern of sexual assault allegations in college sports programs across the country. While some cases result in convictions, others end in acquittals or dropped charges. For instance, former Illinois basketball star Terrence Shannon Jr. was recently found not guilty of felony rape and aggravated sexual assault by a Kansas jury.

As the legal process unfolds for Lyons and Keys, Penn State faces the challenge of balancing the rights of the accused with the need to protect students and maintain the integrity of its athletic programs. The university’s handling of this case will likely be closely watched by stakeholders, including students, alumni, and the broader public, as it navigates these complex issues.

Sources:

  1. https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1731&context=sportslaw
  2. https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/football/two-former-penn-state-football-players-to-be-charged-with-rape-01jatwfh2x82
  3. https://www.pennlive.com/news/2016/10/penn_state_nate_parker_rape_se.html
  4. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/powerful-gop-rep-jim-jordan-accused-turning-blind-eye-sexual-n888386
  5. https://www.mediaite.com/sports/penn-state-fb-coach-literally-walks-away-from-mic-when-asked-about-players-arrested-for-rape-then-school-rep-berates-reporters-in-wild-presser/
  6. https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/40344821/ex-illinois-star-terrence-shannon-jr-found-not-guilty-rape