Georgia linebacker releases statement after rape allegation, suspension
Athens-Clarke County police are investigating a rape allegation against Georgia outside linebacker Adam Anderson. The report states that no arrest has been made, but potential charges remain unclear.
As a result, Georgia suspended Anderson while the university continues to investigate the matter.
Shortly after the allegations became public, Anderson issued a statement through a lawyer. In the statement, the lawyer said that Georgia’s star linebacker vehemently denied the allegations made against him and said that Adam hopes the Bulldog community ceases to make “baseless accusations.”
“Adam denies in the strongest terms possible the unfounded and unsupported allegations of sexual misconduct,” Anderson’s lawyer said. “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 compliant has already 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 prejudge him based on inconsistent, unsubstantiated and baseless accustations.”
Anderson, a 6-foot-5 linebacker from Rome, Georgia is a former five-star prospect who has emerged in his senior season as a potential NFL draft pick. He’s been an instrumental part of Smart’s defense, which ranks No. 1 in the nation by any measure, and has tallied 32 total tackles — fourth-most on the team — coupled with five sacks, which leads all Georgia Bulldogs.
NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter recently ranked Anderson the No. 4 senior prospect in the 2021 class, making him a prime candidate for the Reese’s Senior Bowl prior to these allegations. He was slotted one spot above fellow Georgia defender Jordan Davis, who has received postseason award mentions.
Police open investigation against Anderson
The news of Anderson’s case emerged late Thursday afternoon, and the matter is still being investigated by police.
“It’s still open and still under investigation,” Lieutenant Shaun Barnett told the Athens Banner-Herald. “It’s depending on how the investigation plays out that will determine that.”
According to police records, a 21-year old female told police she went to an Athens residence from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 29, after having drinks. She allegedly awoke with Anderson penetrating her while lying in bed. Furthermore, she told police it was nonconsensual and she was able to leave.
She reported the incident at 2:39 p.m. the same day, when the departments Criminal Investigations Division interviewed her.
The Georgia linebacker played against the Florida Gators in Jacksonville one day after the alleged rape. He finished the game with a season-high seven tackles, including one sack and three quarterback hits. Anderson did not immediately return messages from the Athens Banner-Herald.
On3’s DawgsHQ reports that Adam Anderson missed team practices this week. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach adds that the University of Georgia has suspended the linebacker indefinitely.
Smart issued a statement on the matter shortly after it was made public, explaining that Georgia will decline to provide any further comment until legal matters are cleared up one way or another.
“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,” Smart said. “I will be working closely with our administration to ensure we cooperate fully with all law enforcement and campus protocols.”