(AP) – LAWRENCE, Kan. — Authorities have dismissed a battery charge against Kansas forward Carlton Bragg and instead charged the woman who accused him of shoving her into a stairwell.
Bragg, a 20-year-old sophomore, was suspended indefinitely from the Kansas basketball team after he was arrested Friday but has now been reinstated.
The Douglas County district attorney’s office said Wednesday in a release that the charge was dismissed after law enforcement officials reviewed surveillance video.
That video showed that before a man “forcefully” shoved a woman away from him and caused her to fall backward into an ascending staircase, the woman shoved, slapped and struck the man and put her hands around his neck.
The DA’s office said Saleeha Soofi faces one count of battery. It’s unclear whether she has a lawyer.
“As we have said since this incident occurred, it was important for us to take this issue seriously and to allow the process to play out,” Kansas coach Bill Self said.
“We appreciate the authorities handling this issue in a timely manner. Now that they have made their decision, Carlton is no longer suspended from competition.
“I’m proud of the way Carlton has handled this situation, considering all the negative publicity he has received both locally and nationally. He knew all the facts and knew that he needed to refrain from comment while the investigation took place.
“We’re glad this situation is resolved.”
Said Bragg: This has been a difficult and humiliating experience for me, and I’m glad it’s over. I appreciate the authorities taking the time to get this right. I also appreciate the support of my teammates and coaches, and I’m glad I can put this behind me and move forward.”
Photo: USA Today Sports
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