Alleged rape victim who spoke to Nebraska feels like weight has been lifted
While Nebraska players heard Brenda Tracy's story on Wednesday, her public re-telling of alleged events 18 years ago had a huge benefit for Tracy too.
Tracy said she was sexually assualted by four men, including two Oregon State football players in 1998. Nebraska coach Mike Riley was the Beavers' coach at the time and he ultimately suspended the two players for a game after the charges against them didn't proceed.
She also met with Riley face-to-face for the first time.
“Oh my gosh, I can’t believe that just happened,” Tracy told USA Today after meeting with both Riley and the team. “I feel like a ton of bricks have been lifted off my back. Literally I feel like I might be five sizes smaller in my skin.”
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Riley's had a standing invite for Tracy to come speak to his players and news of her appearance in front of his football team came in the immediate aftermath of the findings of Baylor's handling of sexual assault accusations. He's said he wanted his players to "always undersand it's about choices."
Tracy had previously said she despised Riley and wanted to know why he suspended the two players, Calvin Carlyle and Jason Dandridge, for a single game. Per USA Today, he told her that he knew the charges had been dropped after the players were arrested and did not know any details.
“If he had known, he hoped he would have done something differently,” Tracy said. “He thinks about it. What happened to me has had an impact on him. … It’s not a feeling of relief but a little bit of closure.”
She said she didn't hold back regarding the details of what she said happened with the players.
“Every detail,” she said via Omaha.com. “The players were really engaged. I didn’t see anyone on their cellphone. Coach Riley said he had never seen them like this.”
Nebraska released a statement Wednesday evening about Tracy's presentation to the team.
"Prior to speaking with the team, Brenda and I had a chance to meet at length," Riley's statement said. "I expressed my sincere gratitude for her willingness to come and I offered my support in her efforts to impact others around the country. Out of respect to Brenda, I will not share details of our conversation but I hope to have the opportunity to continue our dialogue.
"This has been an important day for me and for our football program and we must keep the focus on the victims, and on preventing inexcusable acts in the future."
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
