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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

College Football Star Convicted

COLUMBIA, Mo. (CN) - Former University of Missouri running back and team captain Derrick Washington was convicted Wednesday of sexually assaulting a former tutor.

The tutor and her former roommate told a Boone County jury that Washington entered the tutor's room in June 2010 she slept and fondled her.

The tutor's roommate had a consensual sexual relationship with Washington, according to trial testimony.

It took the jury just 2½ hours to reach the verdict after a two-day trial.

Washington, who was born in 1988, faces up to 7 years in prison at his Nov. 7 sentencing.

Washington's defense attorneys suggested the tutor and her roommate could have concocted the assault out of spite toward Missouri athletes, whom the tutor said created a "horrific" environment with unwanted sexual banter in the school's tutoring program for athletes. The defense also suggested that the tutor's judgment could have been clouded after a night of drinking.

But prosecutors said the tutor had everything to lose and nothing to gain by reporting the assault. The tutor's father is also a Missouri alumnus with strong emotional ties to the school. The tutor has moved out of state.

Washington was a Kansas City prep star, led Missouri in rushing as a sophomore and junior and was named co-captain before the 2010 season. He was dismissed from the team before the season began when the allegations surfaced.

Washington's legal troubles aren't over yet. He also faces two misdemeanor domestic assault charges involving an ex-girlfriend who says he poked her eyes and choked her during an argument.

That case is scheduled to go to trial next week.

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