Ex-Ohio State CB Gareon Conley On Rape Allegation: ‘Completely False’

Former Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley released a statement Wednesday addressing a rape accusation against him, saying the claim is “completely false.”

Gareon Conley Denies Rape Allegation

Cleveland police told NFL.com Tuesday that Conley, who is viewed as a top defensive prospect in this Thursday’s NFL Draft, is under investigation for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman at a hotel in the city’s downtown area on April 9.

According to Cleveland Police Dept. spokeswoman Jennifer Ciaccia, the 21-year-old Buckeyes product has not been charged or arrested for the alleged incident,

Caccia added that no warrant has been issued, and that the department’s sex crimes and child abuse units are probing the claim.

Here is Conley’s full statement, released through his representatives, in response to the allegation. In the statement, he also announced he would no longer attend this week’s draft:

“The allegations against me concerning the night of April 8/9 that have recently been reported in multiple media outlets are completely false. I did not commit a crime and have not been charged with a crime,” the cornerback wrote.

I pride myself on doing things the right way on and off the field. The things being said about me and what happened that night are not true and don’t fit my character at all. I realize that I put myself in the situation and I could have used better judgement. However, I have worked tirelessly to put myself in position to have the honor of being an NFL draft pick and these untrue allegations are putting a huge cloud over my name and the NFL draft.

These allegations appear to be an attempt to ruin this once in a lifetime experience for me and my family. There were several witnesses, including another female, who were present the entire time and have given statements that give an accurate account of what took place. We also have video evidence that further discredit and disprove other versions of these events. I am upset but realize that I am powerless when false accusations are made and people try to convict you in the court of public opinion. It’s sad that your name can get dragged through the mud based upon untrue and malicious allegations alone.

I am completely confident that as the facts actually come out my name will be cleared. I was excited about participating in Thursday’s draft but I have decided that it would be selfish for me to stay and be a distraction to the NFL, the other players, and their families who have worked just as hard as me to enjoy the experience so I will not be in attendance.

I hope and look forward to the honor of being an NFL player and working to be the best representative, player, person, and teammate that I can be for the team and the community I will be in.”

Per a police report obtained by ESPN, the alleged assault occurred in the early morning hours of April 9 in downtown Cleveland. A 23-year-old woman told police she met Conley in the elevator of a hotel and he brought her back to his room. She claims that after she refused an offer of group sex with Conley and two friends, the former Buckeyes star had sex with her and then removed her from the room.

After reporting the incident, the woman went to a local hospital, where she was given a rape kit. However, the report added that the woman declined to speak with police.

The report also stated Conley’s friends said nothing occurred between him and his accuser, and that she was simply angry he asked her to leave.

Conley was No. 18 on Mel Kiper Jr.’s final Big Board for the 2017 NFL Draft. The cornerback was expected to be selected in the first round.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 06: Defensive back Gareon Conley of Ohio State participates in a drill during day six of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 6, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)