Lawyers representing former Calhoun, and Auburn tight end Landon Rice are claiming that the rape allegations against their client are false, according to a report by AL.com.
“Landon was projected to start as tight end for the Auburn Tigers, but two days before their opening game against Clemson, false accusations and fundamental unfairness combined to prevent that from happening,” Augusta Dowd, an attorney with the Birmingham-based law firm White, Arnold & Dowd, said in a statement Tuesday. “For the past several days, Landon and his family have been subjected to prejudicial and incorrect commentary in an environment that has not permitted them a full opportunity to be heard.
“Landon has not been charged with any criminal offense. When the true facts are revealed, those who made false accusations and vilified Landon will be held accountable. Landon and his family appreciate and respect coach (Gus) Malzahn and his staff. Along with Landon’s teammates and friends, they have helped Landon through this difficult time. Landon and his family are confident they will prevail. They have been sustained by the truth, their faith, and great members of the Auburn family.
“The legal team will deal with the false accusations and be ready, willing, and able to demonstrate, in the appropriate venue, that Landon has been unfairly treated.”
A 19-year-old female, whose name was not reported, filed a report back on July 27 with the Auburn, Alabama Police Department. The alleged victim also filed for a protective order against Rice.
Rice has not been arrested and has yet to have any charges files against him, according to the CL-E’s report. Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn announced last week that Rice had left the team for “personal reasons.”
The report states that the incident allegedly occurred back on April 12 at an on-campus residence hall near the Auburn athletics complex.
According to the paper, the case is currently listed as “inactive,” a classification, however, that does not mean any investigation into the allegation has been closed.
Alabama classifies first-degree rape as a Class A felony with up to 10 years-to-life in jail.
For a link to the original report, click HERE.