Police: Gopher Basketball Player Accused Of Sexually Assaulting Woman, 19
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Richard Pitino's Gopher basketball program doesn't need any more bad news -- certainly not a story involving the arrest of another of his players.
But that's exactly what the University of Minnesota now faces after Sunday's arrest of player Reggie Lynch.
The 6-foot-9-inch center was a standout player for the Edina Hornets. Lynch helped seal a third place finish for Edina at the 2013 boys' state basketball tournament.
But now, the college transfer's future as a Gopher is in serious doubt after being accused of a campus rape early Sunday morning.
"It's something that's disappointing," exclaims University of Minnesota senior Nick Vondrachek.
The soon-to-be graduate says the university is working hard to combat sexual violence on campus. Lynch's arrest is a huge blow to both the school and the already troubled men's basketball program.
"It's a huge issue on our campus right now, is sexual assault and it's something that our president right now of the student body, Joelle Stangler, it's been a huge part of her campaign," Vondrachek explains.
According to the university's police report, Lynch was arrested 2:30 Sunday morning at his dorm in Wilkins Hall.
His 19-year-old female accuser was taken to the hospital and Lynch was booked on suspicion of criminal sexual assault into the Hennepin County jail.
"I don't think it's something that promotes the university's core values so I would definitely say it's a big concern. Yeah, I don't think it's good," added sophomore student Monica Hying.
The university released Lynch's name in a written statement on Sunday, saying in part, "we hold all of our student-athletes accountable to the highest standards."
Included in the statement is word that Lynch is indefinitely suspended from all team activities pending the outcome of the investigation.
When asked if Gopher men's basketball coach Richard Pitino could respond to the latest allegation, a university spokesperson said he is not available.
Pitino had four other players in the past year accused of wrongdoing, including third degree assault and posting sexual videos on social media sites.
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office will have until noon on Tuesday to decide if Lynch will be formally charged.