Colorado State University-Pueblo has made the decision to dish out a multi-year suspension to a young, promising student athlete on the grounds of sexual assault, despite both participating parties, boyfriend and girlfriend, saying that the sex was consensual.
Neal’s girlfriend is an athletic trainer and student at the University.
Grant Neal, the young man who is being dealt the suspension was found guilty of sexual misconduct with his girlfriend after a misunderstanding took place between the female athletic trainer and a co-worker.
According to the report, Neal and the athletic trainer had consensual sex and the day after a co-worker noticed a hickey on her neck. The female athletic trainer explained how it happened and the connection it had with Grant Neal to the co-worker. Hearing that the hickey was caused by the football player, the co-worker assumed the female athletic trainer was sexually assaulted and reported it to the University.
After hearing that her co-worker reported the sexual assault, the female athletic trainer pleaded with the University and her coordinator that the case was grossly exaggerated and it was not rape. In a text message to Grant Neal she wrote,
“One of the other Athletic Training students screwed me over!…She went behind my back and told my AT advisor stuff that wasn’t true!!! I’m trying so hard to fix it all.”
“I miss you & care about you so much Grant! Everything will work out…I promise”
After the text, Neal and the female athletic trainer met in person and on a recorded device she explained that she was not sexually assaulted by Grant Neal.
The next day a Title IX investigation began and when talking to a University investigator, the female athletic trainer again exonerated Neal of an sexual misconduct. That same day, Neal and the athletic trainer met up and participated in sexual intercourse again.
Neal will now have a multi-year suspension until the female athletic trainer graduates. Neal can return to campus after the athletic trainer graduates. As a result, he loses his wrestling and football scholarships.
Neal has filed a federal lawsuit against the University and the U.S Department of Education saying that the suspension was a result of sexual discrimination.
Is this another case of bureaucratic discrimination against college-athletes with a quick rush to judgement and suspension?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
