Penn State tailback to stand trial for rape

[stomperrob]

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Penn State player to stand trial on rape charge
Associated Press

BELLEFONTE, Pa. -- Suspended Penn State tailback Austin Scott was ordered to stand trial on felony rape and sexual-assault charges after a preliminary hearing on Wednesday.

District Judge Daniel Hoffman also upheld several misdemeanor charges, but prosecutors withdrew two felony charges of aggravated indecent assault because of a lack of evidence.

The accuser, a fellow Penn State student, testified that she and Scott had met once before and had been text messaging each other before meeting at a bar. The rape allegedly occurred in the early morning hours on Oct. 5 at Scott's on-campus apartment.

Scott, 22, of Allentown, calls the encounter consensual and pleaded not guilty to the charges at Wednesday's hearing. He was suspended from the team Oct. 5, and charged last week. Defense lawyer John Karoly said Scott will remain in school while he fights the charges.

[The Lung]

I work only a few miles from Parkland High School in Allentown PA where Scott was quite the sensation - the single-season rushing leader in the history of Pennsylvania high school football. In 2002 he set state season records for yards (3,853), touchdowns (53) and points (318). This season rushing total ranks fourth all-time nationally. He led his team to the 2002 Pennsylvania Class AAAA Championship, rushing for 251 yards and five touchdowns in the 34-12 state title game victory over Woodland Hills, with the 251 yards setting a record for all Pennsylvania state championship games.

What a shame that his enormous talent and potential will be wasted because of his immaturity and lack of good judgment.