Former Auburn TE Landon Rice Accused of 1st Degree Rape

Former Auburn tight end Landon Rice has been accused of first-degree rape in relation to an alleged incident that occurred in April.

According to Tom Green of AL.com, the accuser—an unidentified 19-year-old woman—filed for and was granted an order of protection against Rice on Sept. 15.

However, on Wednesday, the accuser requested the protection from abuse order be dismissed, according to James Crepea of AL.com. She still "stands by her accusation and claims she was repeatedly harassed after reporting the matter to police," per Crepea.

Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn said Sept. 11 that Rice had left the program for "personal reasons," per Matthew Stevens of the Montgomery Advertiser.

Rice's attorney, Augusta Dowd, released a statement on Sept. 20 insisting that her client had been treated unfairly, according to Crepea:

"

Landon was projected to start as tight end for the Auburn Tigers, but two days before their opening game against Clemson, false accusations and fundamental unfairness combined to prevent that from happening. For the past several days, Landon and his family have been subjected to prejudicial and incorrect commentary in an environment that has not permitted them a full opportunity to be heard.

Landon has not been charged with any criminal offense. When the true facts are revealed, those who made false accusations and vilified Landon will be held accountable. Landon and his family appreciate and respect coach Malzahn and his staff. Along with Landon's teammates and friends, they have helped Landon through this difficult time. Landon and his family are confident they will prevail. They have been sustained by the truth, their faith, and great members of the Auburn family.

The legal team will deal with the false accusations and be ready, willing, and able to demonstrate, in the appropriate venue, that Landon has been unfairly treated.

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Crepea later revealed text messages between Rice and his accuser in which the former tight end apologizes:

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"Yes I knew it was wrong and I am sorry," Rice wrote. "There is nothing I can do to make it right. I am really sorry. I should have never put you in that position, I was just in the moment. That is not the person kind of person I am. (Accuser's name) I am really sorry."

The accuser responded by saying she wanted Rice to leave her alone and he again apologized.

"

The exchange is part of six pages of messages between Rice and his accuser, per Crepea.

Per Green, Auburn police list the case as inactive, and Rice isn't currently facing charges, although it remains possible that charges could be brought against him.

Rice is a former 4-star recruit who was rated as the No. 8 tight end in the class of 2016 by247Sports.

The Calhoun, Georgia, native was expected to start as a freshman this season, but sophomore Jalen Harris has assumed the role in his absence.

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