Student newspaper says Duke's Rasheed Sulaimon is accused of sex assaults
DURHAM (WTVD) -- New allegations are fueling speculation as to why a star Duke basketball player was kicked off the team on January 29.
The Duke Chronicle reports that two women accused junior Rasheed Sulaimon of sexual assault last year and that senior members of the athletic department learned of the allegations as early as March 2014.
Duke men's basketball head coach Mike Krzyzewski was asked about Sulaimon four times during a press conference Monday, saying "no comment" at every turn. So far, Krzyzewski hasn't provided a detailed account of why he dismissed Sulaimon - the first such dismissal in the famed coach's 35 years at the head of the program.
After showing Sulaimon the door, Krzyzewski released a statement saying:
"Rasheed has been unable to consistently live up to the standards required to be a member of our program. It is a privilege to represent Duke University and with that privilege comes the responsibility to conduct oneself in a certain manner. After Rasheed repeatedly struggled to meet the necessary obligations, it became apparent that it was time to dismiss him from the program."
The Duke Chronicle quotes Matt Plizga, the men's basketball sports information director, that Sulaimon's dismissal was the result of multiple actions detrimental to the program. The school paper reports that two students made separate allegations of sexual assault by Sulaimon during the 2013-14 academic year and that both voiced allegations publicly, but neither filed a complaint through the Office of Student Conduct or took legal action through the Durham Police Department.
According to the Duke Chronicle, in October 2013, a female Duke student claimed she was sexually assaulted by Sulaimon at the student diversity retreat known as Common Ground. The paper reports that a second student come forward after the same retreat the following semester saying Sulaimon had done the same to her.
According to the paper, an 'affiliate of the program' came forward after talking to both women. The whistleblower told the paper that in March 2014 the allegations were brought to a team psychologist, head coach Mike Krzyzewski, assistant coaches Jon Scheyer and Nate James, and associate head coach Jeff Capel.
Other than the allegations raised in the student paper, there's very little evidence supporting the whistleblower's claims. An attorney claiming to represent Sulaimon reportedly told the paper that the star basketball player is denying the accusations; neither of the alleged victims filed complaints with campus Office of Student Conduct; and Durham police say Rasheed Sulaimon's name does not show up in their records.
Plizga wouldn't comment on the article but provided this statement to ABC11:
"Duke is prohibited by law from disclosing publicly any particular student's confidential education records. The university takes immediate action when it receives reports of alleged sexual misconduct or other violations of the student conduct code, which includes investigation and referral to the Student Conduct Office for review in a timely manner as required by law. Duke also takes every possible action internally to ensure anyone who raises a complaint of sexual misconduct is supported and the campus community is safe."
Reaction from students and Duke basketball fans runs the gamut, although many, like senior John LeBeau are giving Sulaimon, Krzyzewski, and the program the benefit of the doubt. "If it's true, I'm obviously disappointed," said LeBeau, "but I'll probably wait until more information comes out about it. I'm sure that there is going to be a thorough investigation by the University, so I'll wait to hear more."
It's unclear if the school is doing a thorough investigation. Sulaimon is still enrolled at Duke and, according to the school paper, remains in good academic standing.
Sulaimon averaged 7.5 points and 2.0 rebounds in 20 games for Duke this season, all of them in a reserve role. He was a starter during his freshman year in 2012-13, averaging 11.6 points per game.
Tuesday, the Duke Athletic Department released a new statement:
"I want to clarify the role of Duke Athletics staff and coaches in the student conduct process at Duke. Any allegation of student misconduct that is brought to the attention of our staff and coaches is immediately referred to the Office of Student Conduct in Student Affairs, which has responsibility for upholding the Duke code of conduct. The athletics department does not investigate or adjudicate matters of student conduct, and cooperates completely in the process. These investigations are conducted thoroughly, in a timely manner, and with great care to respect the privacy and confidentiality of all students involved. Those procedures have been, and continue to be, followed by Coach Mike Krzyzewski and all members of the men's basketball program. Coach Krzyzewski and his staff understand and have fulfilled their responsibilities to the university, its students and the community. As specified by federal law and university policy, all Duke officials, including Coach Krzyzewski, are prohibited from commenting publicly on any specific individual or situation." - Kevin White, Duke University Vice President & Director of Athletics
