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Former Lousiville G Chris Jones pleads not guilty to rape charges

ByStanford Crissey|
Feb 7, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Chris Jones (3) reacts on the court in the closing seconds against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 52-47. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Chris Jones (3) reacts on the court in the closing seconds against the Virginia Cavaliers in the second half at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers won 52-47. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Former Louisville player Chris Jones is accused of rape and pleads not guilty

Former Louisville basketball player Chris Jones, who was arrested on charges of rape and sodomy, will reportedly plead not guilty to the charges.

Jones and two cohorts are accused of forcing two women to have intercourse and oral sex. One of the women is 19 and the other is 20. The arrest warrant for Jones said that one of the women was treated in the hospital and identified Jones as her assailant. The incident reportedly occurred on Feb. 17.

In addition to Jones, there are two other defendants, Tyvon Walker and Jalen Tilford, both of whom are also charged with rape.

Prior to the arrest, the University of Louisville dismissed Jones. This will initially done without explanation, but the school later released the following statement:

"On Feb. 17 while at a team dinner, Coach Rick Pitino was informed of a text message sent by Chris Jones to another individual. Chris was removed from the dinner table, immediately suspended from the team. After the matter was addressed within the university and Chris surrendered his cell phone, he was permitted to return to the team on Feb. 19 with strict internal disciplinary measures attached, among which included a curfew. It was discovered shortly after noon on Feb. 22 that Chris had violated a curfew and there were other accusations, without knowing specifics. At that time, Chris was immediately dismissed from the team.While Chris is no longer a member of our team, we understand that the allegations are very serious. While we cannot comment on this ongoing investigation, we certainly expect our student-athletes to uphold certain standards, including their treatment of others. We have great respect for the legal process and our university procedures and we will cooperate as requested with this matter."

Jones is due to appear in court on March 9. He and his lawyers maintain his innocence, saying that there is video evidence that will prove he was not involved.

Jones has been released into house arrest.

Needless to say, this has ceased being a basketball issue, and the internet criticisms of Rick Pitino that have surfaced, claiming he should never have signed Jones, are completely off base. No one has the power to look somebody in the eyes and immediately tell if they’ll later be arrested for rape.

Horrible as the accusations against Jones are, we’ll have to reserve judgment until the full story comes out.

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