A Michigan State basketball player is facing an accusation of sexual assault — a new complaint on top of all the past incidents that were recently reported that rocked the school’s athletic department.
Freshman walk-on Brock Washington is being investigated for criminal sexual conduct, ESPN is reporting, and prosecutors are in the process of weighing whether to file charges.
A female student told campus police in August she was groped by Washington. Following an investigation, it was classified as fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. If charges are brought, Washington could see up to two years in prison. He has suited up for every game this season for No. 2-ranked Michigan State, but hasn’t played.
The school has been facing intense scrutiny since an ESPN report revealed a “pattern of widespread denial, inaction and information suppression” at Michigan State. The portion of the report related to the men’s basketball program included an uncharged rape accusation against two former Michigan State basketball players and a pair of charges related to violence against women by Travis Walton, a former undergraduate assistant coach. Coach Tom Izzo hasn’t offered many details about the accusations, only saying he wants to be part of the healing process at the school.
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis resigned a few hours before the report was released. Hollis recently sent a letter to the school’s athletic department, writing “there were inaccurate, incomplete and misleading statements made and then reported by ESPN.” Interim president John Engler seemed to echo Hollis, saying it was “a sensationalized package of reporting” and that Izzo and football coach Mark Dantonio had been asked not to comment as the report is being reviewed.
Engler said: “I hope that MSU can soon respond in full and affirm the integrity and probity that has been the hallmark of these two respected coaches.”
ESPN responded with a statement: “We stand by our reporting.”
Michigan State’s board of trustees approved a one-year extension to Dantonio’s contract Friday. He has a rolling six-year contract with an annual one-year extension.
At least 16 Spartans football players have been accused of sexual assault or violence against women since Dantonio became head coach in 2007, according to the original ESPN report.