Alabama’s DeBoer issues statement after former player Tybo Rogers arrested for rape
Head coach of the Alabama football team, Kyle DeBoer, made a statement on Thursday following the apprehension and charging of Tylin “Tybo” Rogers, a former running back for Washington, on two charges of rape.
Rogers was accused of rape on two separate occasions. Washington suspended him for an indefinite period of time after the arrest. Following the alleged initial incident in October, Rogers participated in the College Football Playoff for Washington, coached by DeBoer; Rogers did not play in the Pac-12 championship game versus Oregon.
“While I am not able to comment specifically on the situation involving an individual at my former institution because of federal privacy laws and the ongoing criminal matters, I do want to make it clear that I take any allegation of sexual misconduct very seriously,” DeBoer said in a statement issued by Alabama athletics. “I always have and always will follow established institutional policies and procedures to ensure prompt reporting and proper handling of allegations by the appropriate authorities.”
Later on in the day, DeBoer held a spring football press conference with local media. He was asked what went into the decision-making process that put Rogers on the field after the alleged crimes.
DeBoer didn’t give further clarity.
“Yeah, I released a statement,” DeBoer said. “I understand there’s more to it down the road, but I can’t really comment on that right now, I don’t have anything to add.”
According to the charging documents in King County, Washington, the first alleged assault was reported to law enforcement on Oct. 28. The second allegedly occurred between Halloween and Thanksgiving of 2023.
The charging documents note that Rogers was removed from the travel roster for UW’s appearance in the Pac-12 championship on Dec. 1.
According to the charging documents, former offensive coordinator for Alabama and Washington Ryan Grubb said to a reporter at the time, “We’re working through some things, some challenges he’s had off the field.” By December 15, Rogers was back to team activities, which included two CFP games.
Following Rogers’ apprehension, UW released a statement, according to Christian Caple of On Montlake.
According to reports, the statement said, “The University of Washington Intercollegiate Athletics Department is aware of the arrest of a student-athlete.” “Until further notice, the student-athlete is barred from all team activities.” The University of Washington will keep assisting law enforcement.
