Terrence Phillips was suspended indefinitely by Missouri's men's basketball team on Friday for "violation of team policy," but there was no explanation as to what rules he broke. Until now.
According to the Kansas City Star, Phillips is currently involved in a Title IX investigation and is accused of harassment, physical abuse and filming a sexual encounter without permission.
There are reportedly at least four women accusing Phillips. The third-string guard responded to the allegations Wednesday.
“There are two sides to every story,” Phillips said. “Some people really want to say ‘Me too’ because apparently it’s the cool thing to do. I have a side. I am cooperating with Mizzou like I was instructed. Unfortunately I can’t say a lot, but at the end of the investigation, I intend to be cleared from the accusations. People who know me know this isn’t me.”
The university did not make a statement on the case when contacted by the Star, but they would not deny the investigation was ongoing.
“We want to reiterate that the safety of our students, faculty and staff is paramount,” the university said in a statement. “The university takes alleged violations of Title IX very seriously, and any allegations are investigated thoroughly and fairly. In some cases, interim measures are taken while an investigation is pending.”
Phillips has been very involved on campus in programs for students and fundraising for the community. He helped promote a campaign called "It's on Us" which is an organization that seeks to end sexual assault.
He was also part of the university's chancellor’s standing committee for student unions, but was asked to step down when news of the investigation surfaced.
