Brigham Young University (BYU) announced that standout wide receiver Parker Kingston is no longer enrolled after his recent arrest on serious charges. Kingston, 21, is facing a first-degree felony rape charge stemming from an incident last February, when a woman reported that he assaulted her at her home. The arrest follows a yearlong investigation that collected various forms of evidence and involved witness interviews.
During a recent court hearing, Judge John Walton expressed concerns about Kingston being a danger to the community. Despite this, Kingston was released on a $100,000 bond, requiring him to wear a GPS ankle monitor and avoid contact with the woman who accused him, as well as potential witnesses. He was initially held without bail and appeared remotely from jail during the hearing.
If found guilty, Kingston could face a prison sentence ranging from five years to life. Kingston’s defense attorney, Cara Tangaro, did not offer immediate comments after the hearing. Kingston contended that all his interactions with the woman were consensual, while she asserts that she explicitly told him to stop during the encounter.
BYU is known for its strict honor code, which forbids sexual relations outside of heterosexual marriage. Violations can lead to significant penalties, including suspension from the university, and athletes may face additional repercussions, such as game suspensions. This policy has led some athletes, like Tulane’s quarterback Jake Retzlaff, to leave the university rather than deal with lengthy suspensions.
Kingston was BYU’s leading receiver last season and was once seen as a promising player in college football. His next court appearance is scheduled for February 25.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions about consent and accountability in college sports. Recent surveys show that many students are advocating for clearer policies and better education around sexual consent, suggesting a shift in how these issues are addressed on campuses nationwide. As public awareness grows, institutions like BYU may need to reevaluate their policies and practices to foster a safer environment for all students.
For more on the legal aspects and consequences of such cases, you can refer to documents from the U.S. Department of Justice.
