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Suspended North Carolina LB accused of sexual assault cleared in university investigation

(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
(AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

A North Carolina football player who was accused of sexual assault last year has been cleared by the university.

According to The News & Observer, linebacker Allen Artis was informed that no violation of school policy was found after the university conducted its own investigation — an investigation his lawyer said was “thorough” — of the alleged Feb. 14, 2016 incident.

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Last September, Artis’ accuser, Delaney Robinson, spoke publicly about the alleged assault and sought warrants against Artis. Robinson, then a UNC sophomore, said Artis raped her at an on-campus apartment. She also claimed the school did not appropriately consider her reported assault, saying investigators asked her “humiliating and accusatory questions” and “spoke to (Artis) with a tone of camaraderie rather than accusing him of anything.”

“I did everything a rape victim is supposed to do. I reported it. I allowed the rape kit to be taken. I gave a statement. I cooperated with law enforcement and the Title IX office. But six months later the University has done nothing,” she said in a public statement.

Artis has maintained things were “completely consensual.”

In a statement, Robinson’s attorney said her client is “shocked and dismayed” by the conclusions of the school’s investigation. From The News & Observer:

Denise Branch, attorney for Robinson, issued a statement confirming that the UNC office that oversees discrimination, harassment and sexual misconduct had failed to find that Artis had violated the university’s policy.

“Ms. Robinson is shocked and dismayed by the failure of UNC Title IX office to hold Mr. Artis accountable for his actions,” Branch’s statement said. “She has appealed this initial finding which is subject to further administrative review.”

Artis still faces two misdemeanor charges: sexual battery and assault on a female. No trial date has been set.

Meanwhile, Artis remains indefinitely suspended from the football team. He was a reserve linebacker for the team, appearing in 25 games over his first two seasons on campus. He played in the Tar Heels’ first two games in 2016 as well until the accusation surfaced.

For more North Carolina news, visit TarHeelIllustrated.com.

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!