Heartbreaking Report: The Alabama Football team has been suspended from their conference as a result of improper behavior on the part of coaches and players

Two women individually made allegations of sexual assault against University of South Florida football player LaDarrius Jackson in 2017, claiming the 6-foot-4, 250-pound defensive end imposed himself on them at their residences.

In the span of two weeks, Jackson was arrested by the police two times for sexual battery and false imprisonment. He entered a plea of innocence and posted bail while waiting for his trial.

The university initiated a student conduct case against the junior, who was 22 at the time. It found that he had breached its policy on “non-consensual sexual intercourse” and decided to remove him.

LaDarrius Jackson is shown in a booking photo taken in 2017.

A booking photo of LaDarrius Jackson from 2017.

Sheriff’s Office in Hillsborough County, Florida, showing courtesy

Just twelve months later, Jackson performed in front of almost 30,000 spectators as Tennessee State University faced off against Vanderbilt in Nashville. Jackson participated in six matches for TSU in 2018 after transferring there due to the potential of spending several decades in prison in Florida.

It is not uncommon for his collegiate football career to continue despite being expelled and facing a criminal case.

Student athletes may risk losing their NCAA eligibility through various means, but sexual assault is not among them. Despite facing criminal charges or being convicted, and despite being suspended or expelled from school, individuals are still permitted by NCAA rules to transfer to another institution and continue participating in sports.

A study conducted by the USA TODAY Network found that there have been at least 28 athletes transferring to NCAA schools since 2014, despite facing administrative disciplinary actions for sexual offenses at their previous colleges. It discovered five more individuals who kept playing even after facing legal action for the offenses.

Apart from Jackson, who chose not to comment through his lawyer, the list of players comprises two receivers from University of Oregon and Ohio State, a kicker from University of Kentucky, a defensive end from Purdue, and an All-American sprinter currently at Texas Tech who contributed.