Jaylon Tate's Attorney: Accuser Has Recanted Allegations That He Struck Her
(CBS) Several days after Illinois junior point guard Jaylon Tate was arrested on a domestic battery charge for allegedly hitting his girlfriend, she has recanted her accusations, Tate's attorney told the Champaign News-Gazette.
Attorney Tony Bruno received two emails from the alleged victim, an Illinois softball player, in which she said Tate didn't hit her, according to the News-Gazette.
"We believe that [the alleged victim] and at least one other softball teammate of hers arrived at the party and were asked to leave because they were intoxicated," Bruno told the News-Gazette. "When she left, multiple witnesses will say there was nothing wrong with [the alleged victim]."
"What happened to [the alleged victim] is a mystery to us, but she has put in writing that Jaylon had nothing to do with this and we are sharing those writings with the state's attorney."
Tate was immediately suspended indefinitely Saturday by athletic director Josh Whitman and coach John Groce. He pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor domestic battery, and Bruno said, "I don't believe he was present when it happened," according to the Associated Press -- referring to how the alleged victim was hurt and her mouth was bleeding.
Tate is free on bond.