NORMAN, Okla. -- University of Oklahoma sophomore running back Rodney Anderson has spoken out on Twitter after sexual assault allegations were made against him.
The woman made the report to the Norman Police Department on Monday. She told police that after an evening of drinking, she accepted a ride from a man who she was acquainted with.
After consensual kissing, the woman told police that she remembered waking up without clothing.
The police report details one complaint of rape by instrumentation.
No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made. The incident is under investigation by the police department.
Anderson denied the allegations on Twitter:
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
A protective order was also filed against Anderson on Monday.
Norman Police are investigating the encounter but no charges have been filed. An emergency protective order was granted. Anderson is due in court on Dec. 18.
— Mycah Hatfield KJRH (@MycahHatfield) December 5, 2017
Anderson is the Sooners' leading rusher on the season, with 960 yards 11 touchdowns. The team faces Georgia on Jan. 1 in the semifinals of the College Football Playoff.
The university released the following statement about the situation:
"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."
Derek Chance, Anderson's attorney, released the following statement on Anderson's behalf:
"Mr. Anderson first learned of [the woman] request for a civil protective order late yesterday evening. Mr. Anderson is shocked and disturbed by [the woman’s] claims. The allegations are patently false. Mr. Anderson did not, nor would he ever, force himself on any woman.
Following November 16, 2017, [the woman] attempted to pursue a relationship with Mr. Anderson. While we can only speculate as to [the woman's] motives in seeking a civil protective order, her claims surfaced only after Mr. Anderson did not reciprocate a desire to pursue a relationship with [the victim]. In fact, Mr. Anderson declined several social invitations from [the victim] between November 16th and December 4th.
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."
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