SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — In a rape case that’s gotten some quick sweeping under the carpet, Kansas State quarterback Ell Roberson was cleared to play Friday in the Fiesta Bowl, the day after a woman accused the Wildcats’ quarterback of sexual assault.
Whether Roberson played in Friday night’s game against Ohio State was to be a game-time decision by coach Bill Snyder, athletic director Tim Weiser said in a statement.
“A through review of allegations against senior quarterback Ell Roberson has led the university to conclude that no criminal act occurred,” Weiser said.
On Thursday, Weiser had criticized police for releasing Roberson’s name, even though no charged have been filed.
The Maricopa County attorney will decide whether Roberson will face criminal charges; the 22 year-old woman who is a Kansas State alumna told police the assault occurred at the team hotel between 3AM and 3:30AM MT on Thursday.
Roberson was taken to Paradise Valley, Ariz., police headquarters for questioning. He told police the sex with the woman was consensual, police Lt. Ron Warner said.
Medical tests were conducted but results aren’t expected until early next week. A report will be sent to the county attorney to determine if a crime had been committed.
Neither the woman nor Roberson were staying in the room where the incident was said to have occurred at the Scottsdale Plaza Resort, Warner said.
The hotel’s security staff called police at 4:30AM. The players had an 11PM curfew Wednesday.
Weiser said Thursday it was unclear whether a curfew violation had occurred. On Friday, his statement did not address the issue.
