Two former Penn State Nittany Lions football players, Jameial Lyons and Kaveion Keys, are facing felony rape charges after an alleged incident that took place in July. Lyons, from Philadelphia, is facing charges including rape, aggravated assault, voluntary deviate sexual intercourse, and indecent assault. Keys, from Richmond, Virginia, is facing charges of rape, aggravated indecent assault, sexual assault, and indecent assault. The charges stem from an alleged sexual assault reported by a student in a residence hall on Penn State’s campus in State College on July 7.
Lyons and Keys are no longer members of the Penn State football program, as they were placed on interim suspension on July 31 to handle a “personal matter” before being confirmed three days later to no longer be with the squad. Penn State stated that they are aware of the serious charges against Lyons and Keys and that the safety of the community is their top priority. The university takes reports of sexual assault very seriously and investigates any and all reports. Both players were expected to have a larger role with the team this season before the charges were brought against them.
Keys, a linebacker who was redshirted in his first season with the Nittany Lions, and Lyons, a defensive end who played in eight games as a freshman, are scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday. A preliminary hearing for both players is set for Oct. 30. The charges against them have not yet been detailed in an affidavit of probable cause, but criminal dockets obtained by The New York Post confirm their arraignment date. The university has made it clear that they are taking the allegations seriously and are committed to investigating the matter thoroughly.
The allegations of rape and sexual assault against Lyons and Keys have had serious consequences for their football careers at Penn State. Both players were expected to contribute significantly to the team this season before being removed from the program. Details of the alleged incident have not been released publicly, but the charges they are facing could have long-lasting repercussions for their futures. The university’s statement in response to the charges underscores the seriousness with which they are treating the situation and their commitment to ensuring the safety of their community.
The legal process for Lyons and Keys is still in its early stages, with their arraignment scheduled for Wednesday and a preliminary hearing set for later in October. The outcome of these legal proceedings will have a significant impact on the future of both players, as well as on the Penn State football program as a whole. The charges against them are serious and will likely result in significant consequences, both legally and within the university’s policies. The unfolding situation serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing and investigating allegations of sexual assault and misconduct and the need for accountability in cases of this nature.
