Champion OSU Wrestler Under Investigation for Sexual Assault

The Associated Press and KFOR - July 14, 2022 8:56 am

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) — NCAA National Champion wrestler A.J. Ferrari is no longer a member of the Oklahoma State University Wrestling Team, after a sexual assault allegation was made against him. His attorney, however, says the allegations are “false.”

OSU announced on Wednesday that wrestler Ferrari is no longer with the program.

The Stillwater Police Department issued a news alert on Tuesday afternoon, announcing that “Albert James Ferrari Jr.” is the suspect in a sexual assault investigation.

Stillwater police responded on Saturday, July 2nd to a reported sexual assault.

“The case is currently under investigation by our Criminal Investigation’s Unit. SPD is committed to thoroughly investigating these cases,” police officials said. “Once the investigation is complete the case will be submitted to the Payne County District Attorney’s Office for consideration of filing charges.”

Ferrari’s attorney Derek Chance issued a statement to KFOR, saying the allegations against Ferrari are untrue.

“The allegations against AJ are false. It is unfortunate that a student athlete can become a target, primarily because of their status as an elite athlete. AJ is cooperating with law enforcement and is confident the truth will come out. He appreciated his time at Okla State, but he and the University mutually agreed a change was appropriate.”

Ferrari was the NCAA champion in the 197-pound weight class in 2021 and was injured in a January accident.

Payne County court records show that a judge granted a woman a protective order against Ferrari last week.

Ferrari has signed an NIL deal with World Wrestling Entertainment. He was U.S. Junior National Champion in 2020.

 

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