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MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - UPDATE: On Aug. 1, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office said there is not enough evidence to prove a crime was committed. Charges will not be filed against Reggie Lynch.
The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office has deferred a charging decision in the case of University of Minnesota basketball player Reggie Lynch, who is accused of sexual assault. Lynch, 21, was released from the Hennepin County Jail at noon Tuesday.
In a deferral, the county attorney sends the case back to the investigating agency for additional work -- in this case, the University of Minnesota Police Department. There is no hard deadline for the completion of a follow-up investigation, but it is generally no longer than 90 days.
According to the police report, a 19-year-old woman claims she was sexually assaulted by Lynch at his Roy Wilkins Hall dorm room on May 7. The incident was reported the next day.
Lynch, a junior, sat out for the 2015-16 season due to NCAA transfer rules after playing for Illinois State. Lynch attended Edina High School where he led the team to a third place finish in the 2012-13 state tournament. His uncle is former Gophers basketball great and TV/radio analyst Kevin Lynch.
"I am deeply disappointed with the recent allegations and the impact this situation has on all involved," head coach Richard Pitino said Tuesday. "Reggie Lynch will remain suspended from our team, pending the conclusion of the ongoing investigation."
Statement from University of Minnesota President Eric Kaler (May 10)
The allegations that came to light over the weekend involving one of our student athletes are deeply troubling. The behavior currently under investigation does not reflect our values or the campus climate we strive to ensure, and will not be tolerated at the University of Minnesota. The investigation is ongoing, and it is important that we allow it to conclude before drawing conclusions. But let me be clear, the allegations are at odds with what we stand for at the University of Minnesota, within our athletic department and across our campus.
In light of these allegations, it is also important to reaffirm our strong commitment to providing confidential resources and support through our Aurora Center to those who are victims of sexual harassment or assault.
Statement from University of Minnesota Athletics Department (May 8)
Men’s basketball student-athlete Reggie Lynch has been arrested on probable cause of criminal sexual conduct. As a result, he is suspended from all team activities indefinitely, pending the outcome of the investigation.
As an athletics department and a University, we are committed to respect toward all members of the community and we hold all of our student-athletes accountable to the highest standards.