O-R-U Basketball Players Will Not Be Charged

Wednesday, March 1st 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris announced Tuesday evening that the two Oral Roberts University basketball players, Leon Irving and Derrick Taylor, who were accused in the sexual assault of two women will not be charged. Harris said that he doubts the alleged assault ever occurred.

In a News on Six exclusive interview, Irving said, "It's a situation that no one can go through. It's an experience that slaps you in the face and makes you a better man, makes you more responsible for your actions. I haven't ever been through anything like this."

Irving admitted to breaking the school's honor code, which bans students from drinking, illicit sexual acts, swearing and other behavior. He also said he hopes that the university will forgive the two for their actions.

However, the two players haven't cleared all hurdles. Taylor and Irving will not suit up for the O-R-U Golden Eagles in the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament. The two seniors remain suspended.

In a statement released this Tuesday evening, O-R-U Athletic Director Mike Carter said
"Reinstatement just in time for the Mid-Continent Conference Tournament would be inconsistent with the founding principles of ORU. Had the suspensions occurred earlier in the season, reinstatement at some time might have been considered, but to do so now would diminish our standards. ORU will renew support for the players to complete their degrees."