Rodney Anderson Accuser Issues Statement, Stands By Accusation

<p>A woman who accuses University of Oklahoma running back Rodney Anderson of rape issued a statement Friday, one day after prosecutors in Cleveland County announced they would not pursue charges against the football player. </p>

Friday, December 15th 2017, 5:28 pm

By: News 9

Rodney Anderson Accuser Issues Statement, Stands By Accusation

A woman who accuses University of Oklahoma running back Rodney Anderson of rape issued a statement Friday, one day after prosecutors in Cleveland County announced they would not pursue charges against the football player.

Courtney Jean Thornton confirmed with News 9 that a statement she issued to The Oklahoman earlier in the day was from her but that she had nothing to add to it.

Here is Thornton's statement in full:

“My choice to stay silent to the media was an intentional decision. I held full faith that the Oklahoma criminal justice system would achieve due process with a thorough investigation. Yesterday's press conference, held by the Cleveland County District Attorney's office, diminished my faith in our local judicial system. I was speechless when I heard inaccurate statements, a disregard for addressing my inability to give consent, and a projected perceived bias. I was led to believe that the case details provided to the media would be a vague overview of the investigative process. I truly hope their unorthodox, erroneous and egregious release of detailed information does not affect and/or deter future victims from coming forward.
I was unable to immediately recollect the events of November 16th due to my high level of intoxication. I was not "tipsy" -- I was incapacitated. Following a night of consuming over 10 shots of alcohol, at least 8 of which he witnessed, I was unable to provide consent after I had "blacked-out." As stated, I came forward to authorities with the details of my ordeal after I began to remember terrorizing images, thoughts and feelings from that night. My motives for coming forward are pure. My body was violated when I was unable to give consent. I had no desire for anything but criminal justice.
Despite my adamant fight for justice, I have chosen to dismiss my Victim Protective Order upon receiving military orders two days ago to begin training. I look forward to starting this next chapter of my life as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
In the future, I ask you to consider all sides of every story before restoring to the absolutes. Coming forward was one of the most difficult decisions of my life, but I never wanted to regret not reporting what happened that night. In the humble words of Eleanor Roosevelt, "What you don't do can be a destructive force."

12/8/2017: Attorney Says Rodney Anderson Passed Polygraph Test