Report: Creighton's Maurice Watson, from Philly, charged with sexual assault
Injured Creighton point guard Maurice Watson Jr., a native of Philadelphia, has been suspended from all athletic-related activities by the university amid an investigation of a sexual assault allegedly committed earlier this month in Omaha, Neb., the home of the university.
Injured Creighton point guard Maurice Watson Jr., a native of Philadelphia, has been suspended from all athletic-related activities by the university amid an investigation of a sexual assault allegedly committed earlier this month in Omaha, Neb., the home of the university.
According to the Omaha World Herald authorities issued a felony warrant charging Watson with first-degree sexual assault late Thursday night.
Officer Phil Anson of the Omaha Police Department's public information office said earlier Thursday that a report was taken from the alleged victim but that Watson's name was not listed as a suspect on the report. However, Anson said the investigation was continuing, including whether Watson was involved.
The World-Herald, citing a source with knowledge of the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity, said a Creighton student who was an acquaintance of Watson's accused him of sexually assaulting her.
Creighton issued a statement Wednesday saying that Watson, a senior who starred at Boys Latin High School, had been suspended Feb. 13 "for alleged actions that are contrary to university policies and core values."
As to why it took nine days for the news of Watson's suspension to come out, the statement said it wanted to explain why Watson would not be involved in senior day activities Tuesday.
"Given the tremendous support for Creighton men's basketball by its fans, university officials feel it is necessary to share the reason behind Watson's absence from the upcoming event," the statement said.
Creighton coach Greg McDermott declined to comment on the situation Wednesday after a 68-66 loss to Providence. He also declined comment Thursday during a Big East coaches' conference call through league spokesman John Paquette.
Watson was an all-American candidate before his injury. He led the nation in assists when he suffered a torn knee ligament Jan. 16 against Xavier, ending his season. The 23rd-ranked Blue Jays, who will play at Villanova on Saturday, were 18-1 at the time of the injury and are 4-5 since.
After his injury, Watson was involved on the sidelines during practices and games before returning to Philadelphia to undergo surgery on his left knee Feb. 6. However, he has not been a part of the team since then, the World-Herald reported.
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