Georgia linebacker Adam Anderson has been charged with a felony for allegedly raping a 21-year-old woman in Athens on Oct. 29, a day prior to the Bulldogs’ 34-7 win over Florida. Anderson surrendered himself to the Clarke County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday and is being held without bond.
Authorities began investigating Anderson last week, prompting Georgia to suspend him from the team indefinitely. The senior missed the entire week of practice and didn’t play in Saturday’s 43-6 win over Missouri.
The woman at the center of the allegations claimed she awoke to Anderson penetrating her without consent in an Athens residence. She reported the incident to police the same day. Anderson has denied her allegations.
“Adam is innocent of the charge brought against him and intends to vigorously defend himself in court,” said Anderson’s attorney, Steve Sadow, to the Athens Banner-Herald. “He will seek release on bond. Once again, Adam hopes and prays that the UGA community and the public keep an open mind and afford him the presumption of innocence that the law demands.”
A university athletics spokesperson declined additional comment to the Banner-Herald.
Anderson is currently considered a potential first-round pick in next year’s 2022 NFL Draft and ranked 22nd in CBS Sports’ NFL Draft prospect rankings and third among linebackers. Despite missing a game, Anderson ranks fifth among Georgia defenders in tackles (32), second in tackles for loss (2.5), first in sacks (5) and third in quarterback hurries (14).
No. 1 Georgia (9-0) will continue playing without its top pass rusher Saturday against Tennessee (5-4) in Knoxville.
