News broke Monday morning from TMZ Sports attaching LSU freshman linebacker Jacob Phillips to an ongoing rape investigation that was alleged to have taken place in June. Since that time, local reports have disputed the claims made by TMZ.
Phillips, the nation’s No. 1 inside linebacker prospect in the 2017 recruiting cycle, signed with the Tigers on National Signing Day and arrived at LSU’s campus in mid-June. No charges have been filed against Phillips and he has never been placed under arrest following this accusation.
According to Ross Dellenger of The Advocate, the Baton Rouge police department has no knowledge of the investigation TMZ reported on:
An update on TMZ report on Jacob Phillips: #LSU PD referred me back to BRPD. BRPD spokesman remains unaware of investigation.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 3, 2017
The Baton Rouge DA also denies any investigation at this time
EBR DA Hillar Moore, to our @brynstole, on TMZ/Jacob Phillips: "I know of no criminal investigation by any law enforcement agency." #LSU
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) July 3, 2017
According to WAFB-TV sports reporter Jacques Doucet, Phillips’ accuser has not been found to be a credible witness. If accurate, it would explain why Phillips has not been charged at any point following the allegation.
Woman involved in TMZ report on #LSU football player not deemed credible. pic.twitter.com/crdSv9fta3
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) July 3, 2017
Saturday Down South will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
