Prosecutor: Case Against Illinois’ Tate Dropped
Illinois' Jaylon Tate brings the ball down the court during the first half of a game against Missouri Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2015, in St. Louis. Jeff Roberson/Associated Press
Champaign County State's Attorney Julia Rietz has dismissed misdemeanor charges against Illini basketball player Jaylon Tate. Tate was arrested in March on suspicion of striking a woman. He pleaded not guilty.
Rietz said Thursday that witnesses who were at a party with Tate and the alleged victim were going to testify that they did not see the two interact and saw her leave without injuries.
Tate's attorney, Evan Bruno, said it upset him that it took so long for the case to come to a resolution.
"I don't want to get into possible motivations of the state's attorney's office, but I think that it was a mistake to let the case linger more for the initial 24 hours when information was coming in," he said.
Bruno said he believes Rietz' office made a mistake in pursuing the charge in the first place.
A trial had been scheduled for June 7.
With Wednesday's plea agreement between the people and Kendrick Nunn, and Leron Black being placed on probation in April after pleading guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault, there are now no outstanding legal affairs concerning the Illini basketball team.
UPDATE: U of I athletic director Josh Whitman says Tate has been reinstated to the basketball team after a they charge against him was dropped.
Whitman said Tate had "shown exceptional character during this unfortunate situation'' and hoped fans will welcome him back.
Whitman also said Friday that Kendrick Nunn's suspension from the team is still being evaluated.