By Joe Johnson
A key player for the University of Georgia Bulldogs has been suspended due to a woman’s allegation that he raped her last week.
According to an Athen-County police report, a 21-year-old woman filed the rape complaint against Georgia linebacker Adam Anderson, alleging that on Oct. 29 “she went to a residence after having some drinks and awoke to the suspect penetrating her while she was lying (in) a bed. She stated that it was nonconsensual and that she was able to leave.”
The location of the alleged assault was on Artisan Place in an eastside neighborhood, according to the report.
Any charges are pending completion of an investigation, police said, and the 22-year-old Anderson reportedly has been indefinitely suspended from the team.
Anderson leads UGA in sacks and was expected to be a first-round pick in next year’s NFL draft.
Bulldogs Head Coach Kirby Smart issued a statement that said, “We are aware of the report and we don’t comment on law enforcement matters, but I’ve been clear about the high standards we have for our student-athletes on and off the field. I will be working closely with our administration to ensure we cooperate fully with all law enforcement and campus protocols.”
UGASports reported that in an email, Anderson’s defense attorney, Steve Sadow, issued the following statement:
“Adam denies in the strongest terms possible the unfounded and unsupported allegations of sexual misconduct. He has been notified of the allegations made to the police and to the UGA Equal Opportunity Office (EOO), and has come to learn that the complainant has already apparently made inconsistent claims – that she was “unconscious” during the conduct to the EOO but “awoke” from sleep by the conduct to the police.
“In the interest of justice and fairness, Adam hopes and prays the UGA community and the public keep an open mind and not pre judge him based on inconsistent, unsubstantiated and baseless accusations,” the attorney said.
Anyone who has been sexually assaulted or knows someone who has can contact The Cottage Sexual Assault Center and Children's Advocacy Center. The agency provides a range of free services to child and adult victims of sexual and physical abuse, including medical care, advocacy, referrals, counseling and support groups. The Cottage also maintains a 24-hour crisis and information hotline at (877) 363-1912. For more information visit www.northgeorgiacottage.org.