Associated Press PHOENIX -- The Maricopa County Attorney's Office declined to press charges against Kansas State University quarterback Ell Roberson, who was accused of sexually assaulting an acquaintance on New Year's Day.
The Wildcat, however, has lost his scholarship, Kansas State said.
Prosecutors said Thursday they wouldn't press criminal charges against Roberson because he could not have known that the 22-year-old woman who accused him did not consent. County attorney spokesman Bill FitzGerald declined to elaborate.
An acquaintance accused Roberson of sexually assaulting her at a Paradise Valley hotel on New Year's Day, the day before Kansas State played Ohio State in the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl. Roberson has told police the sex was consensual.
K-State coach Bill Snyder said Roberson and other players, the coach did not say how many, would lose their scholarships for the spring semester for violating team rules two nights before the game.
Snyder said Roberson and the unidentified players would lose scholarship aid for the spring semester, valued at about $8,500, forfeit their Fiesta Bowl rings and be ordered perform public service by addressing youth groups within the community.
Roberson was cleared by the university to play in the bowl game.
"A through review of allegations against senior quarterback Ell Roberson has led the university to conclude that no criminal act occurred," athletic director Tim Weiser said last week in a statement.
Last Thursday, Weiser had criticized police for released Roberson's name, even though no charges had been filed.