As reported in the Daily Kansan, the University’s Public Safety Office has wrapped up its investigation into the alleged rape of a sixteen-year-old at McCarthy Hall and sent its conclusions on to the Douglas County District Attorney’s office.
Beyond the obvious consequences for the victim and the perpetrator, the outcome of the investigation could affect the basketball program, possibly for years to come. Players Frank Mason III, Mitch Lightfoot, Lagerald Vick, Tucker Vang and Josh Jackson were listed as witnesses.
Paraphrasing Deputy Chief James Anguiano of the Public Safety Office, Daily Kansan reporter Sarah Wright concludes, they provided police with at least some information and “could have been present before, during or after the incident.” The team had a game earlier that evening in Kansas City.
Apparently, there was another incident the same night as the alleged rape in that same dorm involving a runaway. Basketball player Sophomore forward Carlton Bragg Jr. was a witness in that incident. His involvement led to him being charged with possession of drug paraphernalia for which charge he was assigned to a diversionary program. In any case, Bragg is planning to transfer to Arizona State.
Bragg had been having problems on and off the court. During his sophomore year he was suspended twice and arrested once. He is reportedly “looking for a fresh start” as a Sun Devil.
The investigation has been underway since the rape was reported in December. Anguiano was unwilling to offer any information about the investigation or any likely suspects. The District Attorney’s office, however, has confirmed that there is a suspect but will not identify him, her, or them at the present time.
There have been several other incidents involving team members during the school year. Even the most self-hating of Kansans—and there are many in Douglas County–take pride in their basketball team. Still, they have to be asking themselves, what price glory? How many affronts to their moral code must they ignore or endure for the sake of victory.
