COLUMBIA, Mo. — Suspended Missouri running back Derrick Washington was charged Monday with sexually assaulting a former tutor in her apartment over the summer.
Assistant Boone County prosecutor Andrea Hayes said that a single count of felony deviate sexual assault was filed against Washington, a senior who was the Tigers’ rushing leader the past two seasons.
Coach Gary Pinkel suspended Washington last week without disclosing details. Boone County court documents show Washington had been served with a protection order in late June and accused of sexual assault by a former Missouri tutor.
A campus detective’s probable cause statement filed Monday said Washington entered the woman’s closed bedroom while visiting her roommate and allegedly assaulted the woman while she slept.
A July hearing was delayed at the woman’s request and the case appeared dormant after both Washington and the alleged victim failed to show up for the rescheduled hearing. But prosecutors continued to investigate and Washington’s family has hired an attorney.
Washington surrendered to police Monday and was released after posting a $4,500 bond, attorney Bogdan Susan said. Susan said the back planned to plead not guilty.
School policy states athletes charged with a felony cannot return to the field until the case is resolved. With a Sept. 23 arraignment hearing, Washington will miss the Tigers’ first three games, if not more.
Johnson to start for Texas
AUSTIN, Texas — Cody Johnson, a pile-driving touchdown scorer Texas coaches thought would be a short-yardage specialist, is the starting tailback for the Longhorns for their season opener at Rice.
Considered the third option behind Tre’ Newton and Fozzy Whittaker when training camp started, Johnson bulled his way into the starting role by reporting in excellent shape, then dazzling coach Mack Brown.
“He’s quick, he’s powerful and our guys don’t like tackling him,” Brown said of the 5-foot-11, 250-pound junior.
Texas also named freshman Case McCoy, younger brother to two-time Heisman Trophy finalist Colt McCoy, as the No. 2 quarterback behind Garrett Gilbert.
Footnotes.
Defensive tackle Adrian Taylor is questionable for Oklahoma’s opener Saturday against Utah State.
• Virginia Tech coach Frank Beamer said speedy sophomore tailback David Wilson will play instead of redshirting this season.
• Junior Steven Threet will open the season as Arizona State’s starting quarterback.
The Associated Press
