School Officials Respond to Illinois DT Lere Oladipo’s Domestic Abuse Allegations

University of Illinois athletics officials responded to social media posts of domestic violence allegations against Lere Oladipo.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- University of Illinois athletics officials responded to several social media posts involving their involvement after domestic violations allegations were made against sophomore defensive tackle Lere Oladipo.

Twitter isn’t a place for personal issues, but it is a great political platform. Due to the great injustices done by @Illinois_Alma @IlliniAthletics regarding Lere Oladipo and the safety of women on their campus.

— Hana ♋️✨ (@HanaRenee13) October 30, 2019

According to his roster bio, Oladipo has been indefinitely suspended since the 34-31 loss to Eastern Michigan on Sept. 14. The backup interior defensive lineman recorded a total of one tackle and one sack in the first two games of the 2019 season.

Illini head coach Lovie Smith announced last October that the 22-year-old defensive tackle was indefinitely suspended after Oladipo was arrested and charged with three counts of domestic battery. Those charges were dropped less than two months later and Oladipo was reinstated to the team.

A statement released Wednesday from Illinois athletics spokesperson Kent Brown reads as follows:

“We are aware of accusations involving football student-athlete Lere Oladipo. Lere has been and remains suspended from all team activities, pending final resolution of his case within the university’s student discipline process. The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics takes allegations such as these very seriously. DIA has comprehensive policies and procedures that provide for immediate suspension and independent review of potential major offenses. By design, no member of DIA’s staff has a role in any investigation or review of such matters. The University has an investigatory and disciplinary process for all students and, per its policy, DIA will use the University’s findings of fact to make a final determination regarding Lere’s status as a student-athlete. DIA is committed to creating an environment based on family, respect, and civility and is working diligently to be a leader on this campus and across college athletics in this important area.”