KAREEM COPELAND
Associated Press
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida State running back Karlos Williams is subject to a Title IX investigation by the university for his role in a possible domestic battery case.
Florida State would not confirm if it would investigate Williams, citing privacy policies.
But university spokeswoman Browning Brooks told The Associated Press in an email Wednesday that, “While each set of facts and circumstances is different, as a general matter notice of any Title IX-related issues would prompt an investigation.”
The Tallahassee Police Department confirmed it is investigating an alleged domestic battery case involving Williams. It said it continues despite the woman involved filing an affidavit asking police to end the investigation.
Brooks confirmed the university reported the possible battery to police. Federal policy dictates that universities must investigate possible Title IX violations if they are aware. The woman’s lawyer, Nathan Prince, thinks the university found out about the incident through social media.
An investigation would be the latest involving a Florida State football player. Quarterback Jameis Winston is facing a university hearing to determine whether four sections of the code of conduct have been violated — two for sexual misconduct and two for endangerment.
Florida State also is currently being investigated by the Department of Education on how hit handles possible Title IX violations. The woman who said Winston assaulted her filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, which decided the university should be investigated for possible Title IX violations over the way it responds to sexual violence complaints.
Title IX is a federal statute that bans discrimination at schools that receive federal funding. The Department of Education in 2011 warned schools of their legal responsibilities to immediately investigate allegations of sexual assault and domestic violence, even if the criminal investigation has not concluded.
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