Judge dismisses protective order against ex-Auburn player

AUBURN, Ala. (AP) A judge has dismissed a protective order against former Auburn tight end Landon Rice.

Lee County Circuit Judge Steven Speakman acted Thursday at the request of a woman who sought the order after accusing Rice of rape. The judge had issued a temporary protective order against Rice and set a hearing on Oct. 4. He granted the woman's request this week to dismiss the order without prejudice.

The filing Wednesday said Rice has not attempted to contact the woman directly or indirectly since the order was issued Sept. 15. Auburn has dismissed Rice, a freshman, from the team.

The Associated Press does not identify alleged victims in sexual assault cases.