Sam Ukwuachu transferred to Baylor from Boise State in June of 2013, sitting out that season to satisfy NCAA bylaws. The defensive end was then ruled ineligible for the entire 2014 season for reasons that were never specified.
As we approach the start of another season, we now have a definitive reason behind the ruling.
The Waco Tribune is reporting that Ukwuachu is scheduled to stand trial later this month on a charge that he sexually assaulted a female BU student. The alleged sexual assault took place in October of 2013, four months after he transferred into the Bears football program from the Broncos.
Ukwuachu was indicted in June of 2014, leading to him being ruled ineligible by the university. Just this past June, however, Baylor coaches were expecting Ukwuachu to be a part of the team; now, his future with the program is once again up in the air.
“We are looking forward to the trial,” Ukwuachu’s attorney, Jonathan Sibley, told the Tribune. “Sam passed a polygraph exam, he’s been cleared by Baylor and has graduated and is 100 percent innocent of these charges against him. He has done everything a man can do to clear his name and he is looking forward to the trial so he can finally do that.”
According to the attorney, Ukwuachu and the alleged victim had a previous relationship.
In May of 2013, Ukwuachu was dismissed by then-Boise State head coach Chris Petersen for violating unspecified team rules. From the Tribune‘s most recent report:Prosecutors Hilary Laborde and Robert Moody have issued subpoenas for Ukwuachu’s records from Boise State and for the testimonies of a Boise, Idaho, police officer; an assistant athletic director; Ukwuachu’s former roommate and a woman with whom he reportedly had an abusive relationship.
Records from Boise State filed in the case show Ukwuachu, who reportedly was drinking and using drugs, and the woman were involved in a dispute. Ukwuachu broke a window and cut his arm, requiring medical treatment and prompting a Boise police investigation.Baylor has yet to publicly address what effect these latest developments will have on the 2012 Freshman All-American’s status with the football program moving forward.