Kansas Men’s Basketball Suspends Arterio Morris After Rape Allegation

Kansas has suspended men’s basketball guard Arterio Morris from the program following a rape accusation. The Kansas City Star confirmed the suspension and accusation on Friday night, citing two sources, including a KU athletics department official.

According to the Star, a rape was reported to the KU police department at the on-campus residence hall which houses Kansas men’s basketball players. Morris was not named in the incident report, but fellow players Johnny Furphy and Elmarko Jackson were listed as witnesses. Nick Timberlake, a transfer from Towson, also was mentioned. 

No warrant has been issued for Morris’s arrest, nor have charges been filed. The case is still open, according to the Douglas County District Attorney’s office.

The Kansas Jayhawks basketball program has suspended sophomore Arterio Morris following a rape accusation.

Denny Medley/USA TODAY Sports

Morris transferred to Kansas after playing his freshman season at Texas, where he also dealt with off-the-court troubles. The guard was arrested last June after an alleged altercation with his ex-girlfriend. Eventually, he received a Class A misdemeanor assault charge and eventually pleaded no contest, paying a $362 fine. 

Despite the charge, Morris appeared in all 38 games for the Longhorns and averaged 4.6 points per game as a reserve last season.

Kansas coach Bill Self had no comment when contacted by the Star, as did Morris’s agent, Chris Gaston.