Discussion List for campus-based and allied personnel working to end gender-based violence on campus.

["Ross, Samantha B NAN02" <>]

I read this story today from one of the many news sources I get alerts from
and was shocked, I don't know why really, but was saddened to see the blatant
endorsement of rape myth included in the alleged perpetrator's statement
related to the allegations he is currently facing for rape.

Samantha Ross


Major Samantha Ross
District S-3 Officer
New York District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
 
Office:
26 Federal Plaza
Room 2109
New York, New York  10278-0090
 
T: 917-790-8424
C: 646-335-5881
F: 212-264-5947



News
Posted on October 12, 2007 6:47 PM
Running back charged in on-campus rape
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Writers
Penn State football player Austin Scott was arrested Friday afternoon on
charges of rape and sexual assault stemming from an encounter his defense
lawyer said was consensual.

Scott, 22, of 5204 Nittany Apartments, was arraigned at 1:15 p.m. Friday for
one felony count each of rape and sexual assault and two felony counts of
aggravated indecent assault, according to court documents.

He is also charged with three misdemeanors -- two counts of indecent assault
and one count of simple assault. He was released on $50,000 unsecured bail.

Joseph Amendola, Scott's attorney, said his client was "devastated" and in a
state of disbelief.

"It's his senior year -- it should be his finest hour," Amendola said. The
defense attorney sent out a press release Friday evening, proclaiming Scott's
innocence and saying he had been falsely accused by a woman "who sought out
his affections."

Scott and the victim knew each other, the lawyer said, and the 22-year-old
fully believed their relations were consensual. When interviewed by police,
Scott said the woman told him she didn't want to have sex that night,
according to court documents. But he defended himself, telling police, "girls
will say they do not want to have sex, but then they get to your room, things
get heated up and they change their mind," court documents show.

Police said the victim, who consumed a few mixed vodka drinks during the
evening of Oct. 4, corresponded with Scott by text message throughout the
night, with the two eventually agreeing that he would meet her at The Saloon,
101 Hiester St.

Scott met her there, finished her drink for her and the two proceeded back to
his residence at 5204 Nittany Apartments sometime after 1:30 Friday morning.

According to court documents, the victim said to Scott on the walk to campus,
"just so you know, I'm not going to have sex with you."

"Do you want me to call you a taxi now?" Scott said, according to court
documents. The victim replied that she just wanted him to respect her wishes.

"If I can't have sex with you, can I at least cop a feel?" he asked, the
criminal complaint reads. The victim declined.

The two entered Scott's apartment and proceeded to watch television from his
bed. The victim reported she fell asleep fully clothed and on top of the bed
comforter, but soon awoke to find her jeans removed and Scott attempting to
have sex with her.

She tried to sit up, but felt a punch in her right kidney, according to court
documents. The victim told police she "went along with it because she was
afraid [Scott] was going to hurt her."

Throughout the intercourse, the victim said she told Scott multiple times he
was hurting her, according to court documents.

However, Amendola was quick to point out that not once in the criminal
complaint was it mentioned that the victim told Scott to stop or yelled for
help. In fact, Amendola added, Scott told him the woman was actively engaged
throughout the sexual activity. When she left Scott's apartment, they
"embraced and kissed goodbye," he said in the press release.

Scott was suspended from the Iowa game, a day after the alleged incident, and
will not dress for Saturday's game against Wisconsin.

Lisa Powers, university spokeswoman, said Scott is still a student at this
time. Judicial Affairs will have to review his status and the facts
presented, she said.

"If the alleged crime is serious enough, we would consider removing the
student from the student body," Powers said.

Collegian Staff Writer Mark Viera contributed to this report.


Major Samantha Ross
District S-3 Officer
New York District
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
 
Office:
26 Federal Plaza
Room 2109
New York, New York  10278-0090
 
T: 917-790-8424
C: 646-335-5881
F: 212-264-5947