A.J. Ferrari, an Oklahoma State University NCAA wrestling champion, is not with the team, the college confirmed after police introduced he had been accused of sexual assault.
A Wednesday assertion from the Stillwater Police Department stated officers responded on July 2 to a report of sexual assault.
“The suspect in the case has been identified as Albert Jame Ferrari Jr.,” the assertion stated.
The case is below investigation, police stated.
A spokesperson for Oklahoma State University informed NBC News that Ferrari “is no longer with the program.”
Ferrari was the 2021 NCAA champion within the 197-pound weight class. He has signed a reputation, picture and likeness take care of World Wrestling Entertainment as half of its “Next In Line” program.
Ferrari’s lawyer, Derek Chance, stated “the allegations against A.J. are false.”
In an announcement to The Oklahoman, Chance added: “It is unfortunate that a student athlete can become a target, primarily because of their status as an elite athlete. AJ is cooperating with law enforcement and is confident the truth will come out. He appreciated his time at Oklahoma State, but he and the university mutually agreed a change was appropriate.”
A consultant for the wrestler didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark from NBC News on Thursday.
Ferrari’s dismissal from the team comes months after he was concerned in a automobile accident that resulted in season-ending accidents. He and Oklahoma State runner Isai Rodriguez have been returning to Stillwater following an look at a youth wrestling apply in close by Cushing when Ferrari tried to go three automobiles whereas cresting a hill in a no-passing zone, in accordance with the state patrol.
Ferrari’s suffered head and leg accidents when his 2019 Dodge Durango collided with one other car, left the highway, rolled and landed in a ditch.
Rodriguez’s accidents have been minor, in accordance with The Oklahoman.
Juliette Arcodia contributed.