Georgia football player under investigation for alleged rape

ATHENS -- The Athens-Clarke County Police Department confirmed Thursday that it has launched an investigation into rape allegations against Georgia football player Adam Anderson.

Anderson had not been charged in the case as of late Friday morning.

A senior outside linebacker from Rome and the team leader in quarterback sacks, Anderson is accused of raping a 21-year-old female in the early-morning hours Friday. That was the day that the Bulldogs left Athens for Jacksonville, Fla., to play Florida.

“I can confirm that we are investigating that incident,” said Lt. Shaun Barnett of the Athens-Clarke County public information office. “It’s still active and ongoing and nothing has been decided at this time.”

The news of the allegations against one of the Bulldogs’ premier defensive players rocked the calm and steady run that has been No. 1 Georgia’s season. Coach Kirby Smart released a statement Thursday night confirming that he is aware of the allegations.

“We are aware of the report,” Smart said in a statement emailed to reporters. “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.”

According to a police incident report obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, a 21-year-old female went to an Athens residence sometime between midnight Thursday and 7 a.m. Friday. She told police that she woke up to “non-consensual” sexual contact with the suspect.

The victim reported the alleged crime Friday afternoon. Anderson traveled with the Bulldogs to Jacksonville Friday afternoon and played extensively in their 34-7 win over Florida on Saturday. He was credited with seven tackles and a half-sack. It’s not known whether he would have been aware of the allegations against him at that point.

Anderson is indefinitely suspended from competition while the investigation continues, per school policy pertaining to felony allegations. The No. 1-ranked Bulldogs play host to Missouri at noon Saturday.

Anderson retained Atlanta defense attorney Steve Sadow to represent him. Reached by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Thursday night, Sadow alleged that there are inconsistencies in the complainant’s claims and proclaimed his client’s innocence.

“Adam denies in the strongest terms possible the unfounded and unsupported allegations of sexual misconduct,” Sadow said via text message. “He has been notified of the allegations made to the police and to the UGA Equal Opportunity Office (EOO). ...

“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 accusations.”