Potential Redskins Prospect Gareon Conley Releases Statement Ahead of NFL Draft

Widely regarded as a first-round pick, Redskins prospect and Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley was recently accused of sexual assault. The cornerback has vehemently denied these accusations to be true, and the situation progressed with the release of a statement earlier today.

Until we have the facts, nothing is certain. But today, progress was made in the Gareon Conley case. Conley’s camp issued a statement to the public. Here is that statement, courtesy of NFL.com.

"The allegations against me concerning the night of April 8/9 that have recently been reported in multiple media outlets are completely false. I did not commit a crime and have not been charged with a crime.More from Riggo's RagHighlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL DraftCommanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam HowellBet365 VA Bonus Code – Claim $200 Guaranteed With Sign-Up Bonus I pride myself on doing things the right way on and off the field. The things being said about me and what happened that night are not true and don’t fit my character at all. I realize that I put myself in the situation and I could have used better judgement. However, I have worked tirelessly to put myself in position to have the honor of being an NFL draft pick and these untrue allegations are putting a huge cloud over my name and the NFL draft.These allegations appear to be an attempt to ruin this once in a lifetime experience for me and my family. There were several witnesses, including another female, who were present the entire time and have given statements that give an accurate account of what took place. We also have video evidence that further discredit and disprove other versions of these events. I am upset but realize that I am powerless when false accusations are made and people try to convict you in the court of public opinion. It’s sad that your name can get dragged through the mud based upon untrue and malicious allegations alone."

It’s all just words at this stage of the situation. Nothing definitive has been found. But the allegations alone are alarming, and if true, Conley, a promising prospect whom the Redskins had reason to consider before this incident, may find himself out of the NFL before he gets in. It is fairly similar to the La’el Collins case in 2015, when Collins went undrafted after being interviewed in the murder of his ex-girlfriend. Police made it abundantly clear that he was not a suspect, but Collins still fell to the undrafted ranks. The same could happen for Conley.

After denying that the allegations, Conley went on to explain his decision to skip the NFL Draft in Philadelphia, again per NFL.com.

"I am completely confident that as the facts actually come out my name will be cleared. I was excited about participating in Thursday’s draft but I have decided that it would be selfish for me to stay and be a distraction to the NFL, the other players, and their families who have worked just as hard as me to enjoy the experience so I will not be in attendance.I hope and look forward to the honor of being an NFL player and working to be the best representative, player, person, and teammate that I can be for the team and the community I will be in."

Next: Washington Redskins Final 7-Round Mock Draft

It will be interesting to see when and if Conley ends up getting drafted into the NFL. Stay tuned to see where this goes, and be sure to watch the NFL Draft on Thursday night to see who the Redskins take with their first-round pick.