Washington Huskies running back Tybo Rogers has been charged with raping two women in Seattle in two separate incidents in late 2023. Rogers, 18, was charged with second-degree rape and third-degree rape and was booked into King County Jail with a bail set at $150,000 for each case. One of the allegations was known to the University of Washington, where he played in the College Football Playoff and helped the team defeat the Texas Longhorns in the semifinals and lose to the Michigan Wolverines in the national championship game.
The first victim, a Seattle Central Community College student, reported being raped in the Capitol Hill neighborhood after meeting Rogers on Tinder in August 2023. The assault took place in her apartment on Oct. 23, and she reported it to the police on Oct. 28. The second victim, a 22-year-old University of Washington student, was raped in November 2023 in the University District after meeting Rogers at a Halloween party and matching with him on Tinder. She reported the assault to the school on Nov. 28, and Rogers allegedly called her on that date to confront her about the allegations.
Rogers was suspended from team activities in late November and did not travel with the team for the Pac-12 Championship on Dec. 1. The Huskies’ offensive coordinator stated that he was “working through some things, some challenges he’s had off the field.” Rogers was reportedly back at practice by mid-December. Former head coach Kalen DeBoer left to join the Alabama Crimson Tide, and current head coach Judd Fisch, who replaced DeBoer, stated that Rogers has been suspended indefinitely and is not expected to return to the field.
Fisch did not provide any details on why Rogers was allowed to play in the playoff games, stating that it was before his tenure and had nothing to do with him. The University of Washington Intercollegiate Athletics Department released a statement acknowledging Rogers’ arrest and stating that he has been suspended from all team activities until further notice. The department will continue to gather facts and cooperate with law enforcement as needed. Rogers’ arrest has raised questions about the handling of the situation by the school and the football program, with many calling for transparency and accountability in dealing with such serious allegations.
The allegations against Rogers have brought attention to the issue of sexual assault on college campuses and the importance of supporting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable. It is crucial for universities and athletic programs to take these accusations seriously and prioritize the safety and well-being of their students. The legal proceedings against Rogers will continue, and it remains to be seen what consequences he will face for his actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges of addressing sexual violence and the need for a comprehensive approach to prevention and response within the sports community.
