NORMAN, Okla. – A woman has filed a protective order against an OU running back, accusing him of rape.
Officials are investigating after a woman filed a protective order against Rodney Anderson in Cleveland County.
The victim reported to police that Rodney, 21, raped her.
Court documents state the woman said she met Anderson while out drinking on November 16th.
She said that she initially planned to take an Uber home; however, she said Anderson’s friends were adamant he would take her home.
She reportedly told officials that all she remembered of that night was kissing Anderson and vomiting. But, on the weekend of December 2nd, she said she started remembering Anderson forcing himself on her.
In the protective order, the woman said she is “scared for my safety” because the alleged rape “happened in my apartment.”
Anderson’s attorney, Derek Chance, released the following statement on his behalf:
“Mr. Anderson first learned of Ms. ********’s request for a civil protective order late yesterday evening. Mr. Anderson is shocked and disturbed by Ms. *******’s claims. The allegations are patently false. Mr. Anderson did not, nor would he ever, force himself on any woman.
There are undoubtedly true victims of sexual assault, for whom Mr. Anderson carries a tremendous amount of compassion. However, there are those accused of sexual assault which they unequivocally did not commit- as is the case for Mr. Anderson. It is incumbent on our community to reserve judgment and to treat this allegation on its own merit. We are confident that when authorities have all of the information surrounding this circumstance, Mr. Anderson will be completely exonerated of any wrongdoing, and he looks forward to the conclusion of this investigation so he can focus on his obligations as a student-athlete.”
In my wildest dreams, I never thought I'd have to set up a Twitter account to defend myself. In the most possible straightforward and honest manner, I did not do this.@espn
— Rodney Anderson (@24RAnderson) December 5, 2017
The woman also filed a police report on December 4th about the alleged incident.
From Norman PD: This is the police report that was also filed regarding the accusations against Rodney Anderson. @kfor pic.twitter.com/I4tBdtprei
— Jessica Bruno (@JbrunoKFOR) December 5, 2017
Anderson’s hearing is scheduled for December 18th.
An Oklahoma spokesman says OU is aware of the filing and is gathering more information.
“The university is aware of the situation and is following our protocols in coordinating with the Norman Police Department, which is currently handling the inquiry. The university takes seriously all allegations of misconduct and is continuing to collect information in this matter,” a spokesman said.
Anderson, a redshirt sophomore, has been one of OU’s breakout stars this year.
The OU running back rushed for 960 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
Oklahoma is scheduled to play the semifinal game against Georgia in the Rose Bowl on January 1st.
