The Austin Scott Rape: It Will Be Hard To Prove

When it comes to the Austin Scott rape allegations, everyone seems to have a theory. ESPN and other news sources are simply reporting that the suspended Penn State running back was charged of rape, sexual assault, and aggravated indecent assault connected to an October 5 incident with a girl he met at the bar. His mother, JoAnn, has been advised not to comment. Scott’s attorney, Joseph Amendola, has issued a statement saying that the sex was consensual and that his client is innocent. JoePa has suspended the player, but only because he broke team curfew rules. Some fans are calling for the university to divorce themselves from Scott.

And yet, one opinion is overwhelmingly present both on and offline: Scott is in deep shit because Scott acted like shit. Personally, I think that a rape will be hard to prove. I’m not trying to undermine the  young lady involved, because if she was raped, I hope that Scott is brought to justice. I’m just saying that it will be hard to prove.  Here’s why:

• The rape happened on October 5, allegedly. Did she report it right away? A rape kit might show some bruising that could prove her case, but if she didn’t head to the hospital within the next few hours, that evidence will be gone.

• She was in his apartment after meeting him at the bar. I’ve been to bars, and I’ve met guys there. I know how it works. It’s called a “walk of shame” for a reason. Most girls who leave with guys do so specifically because they’re interested in some midnight romping. I’m not saying that’s what happened here, but the norm is that if you leave with a guy to go back to his place, you’re going to sleep with him.

I’m not a lawyer. These are just practical observations.

In any case, let’s get back to the fact that Scott is an ass. It doesn’t matter if the rape happened or not – he was out at the bar before the Iowa game. Friends of the family have said that Scott only went to the bar to pick up a friend. Yeah right. I definitely don’t believe that. There are hundreds of places in State College to meet someone if you need to pick them up. He knew team rules. If that was the ONLY place to meet this friend, then he could have at least waited outside. JoePa doesn’t just kick a player off of the team whenever he feels like it. He kicks off players that are stupid.

Scott hasn’t just acted immaturely. He is immature. At the beginning of the season, I thought there would be a real personal push for him to do his best and maybe even make a go for the NFL. Instead, he choose to focus on his friends and his good times during college. And hey, that’s fine. Go out at night if you want – but then don’t play on a Big Ten football team.

The preliminary trial is set for Wednesday at 11. I’ll keep you updated on the situation.

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster