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Police in Texas are investigating allegations of sexual assault against Cowboys defensive back C.J. Spillman.
The New York Daily News first reported the allegations Wednesday. No charges have been filed against Spillman, a backup who played for the 49ers and Chargers before signing with the Cowboys in August.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. The Assault is Alleged to Have Taken Place at the Cowboys’ Team Hotel
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The sexual assault is alleged to have taken place on September 20 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center, the Cowboys’ official team hotel. The team flew to St. Louis later that day and played the Rams the following day. Spillman played in the game, a come-from-behind 34-31 Cowboys win.
2. The Assault Is Alleged to Have Happened a Day After Roger Goodell’s Press Conference About Domestic Violence
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The alleged assault came less than 12 hours after embattled NFL commissioner Roger Goodell held an awkward news conference at a New York City hotel at which he repeatedly vowed that the league would “get it right” on sexual assault and domestic violence in the wake of the league’s botched handling of the Ray Rice case.
At the news conference, Goodell acknowledged that the league was wrong to suspend Rice for only two games after he punched out his fiancee inside an Atlantic City hotel elevator. It took TMZ publishing a graphic video of the knockout punch and widespread public outrage for the Baltimore Ravens to cut Rice and the league to suspend him indefinitely.
3. Gloria Allred Is Representing the Woman Making the Allegations
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Prominent women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred is representing the woman making the allegations. It’s not the first recent dealings Allred has had with the league. In early September, Allred held a news conference at a hotel in Greater Atlanta at which she accused the league of ignoring and belittling claims made by the ex-girlfriend of wide receiver Brandon Marshall.
4. No Charges Have Been Filed
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Police in Grapevine, Texas, are investigating the assault, but have not pressed charges against Spillman, a police spokesman told the Daily News.
“We have a sexual assault report we are investigating at this time, and it does involve C.J. Spillman,” Sgt. Robert Eberling, told the paper. “He is involved in the investigation. We are looking into the matter.”
5. Spillman Hasn’t Commented on the Allegations
C.J. Spillman during a 2010 playoff game against the Jets while a member of the San Diego Chargers. (Getty)
Spillman hasn’t commented publicly on the allegations. ESPN, citing an anonymous source, reported that Spillman was cooperating fully with the investigation.
Spillman, 28, has played mostly on special teams this year and has just one tackle in four games. He’s made 87 career tackles in five-plus seasons after starring collegiately at Marshall.
