Former Tech star Adam Gotsis asserts innocence of 2013 rape charge

ajc.com

Former Georgia Tech football player Adam Gotsis has been charged with strongarm rape for a sexual assault alleged to have taken place in March 2013, when he was enrolled at Tech. Through his attorney, Gotsis maintained that the allegations are false.

Gotsis has been a defensive lineman for the Denver Broncos since he was drafted by the team in April 2016. According to police, the alleged victim came to Atlanta police in February of this year to report a sexual assault, which she stated occurred after she and Gotsis met through a mutual friend and attended a party together March 9, 2013. After the party, Gotsis took the alleged victim to his home and raped her, according to the statement given to police.

Last Wednesday, investigators secured a warrant for Gotsis, who turned himself into Fulton County jail the same day. He was released on $50,000 bond the same day.

Gotsis’ Atlanta-based lawyer, Sara Becker, said in a statement that Gotsis first became aware of the accusations in February.

“We immediately reached out to law enforcement and have proactively cooperated with all aspects of the investigation while maintaining communication with the team,” Becker’s statement read. “While we were disappointed to learn of the turn the investigation was taking, we steadfastly maintain that the allegations are false. We will continue to advocate strongly for Adam's innocence.”

A Tech spokesman said that the school learned of the arrest Monday and had no more information, directing further questions to the Atlanta Police Department.

The Broncos released a statement.

“We were recently informed of an investigation into an alleged incident involving Adam Gotsis that occurred in 2013 when he was in college. Our organization was aware of his arrest on March 7, and it is our understanding that no determination has been made at this time as to whether any charges will be filed.

“The Broncos take an accusation of this nature very seriously and will continue to closely monitor the legal proceedings. This issue was promptly reported to the NFL as soon as we learned of it, and we will remain in communication with the league office regarding this matter.”

In March 2013, Gotsis was in the second semester of his freshman year. The rare recruit from Australia, Gotsis enrolled in 2012 and played as a freshman. He went on to start 37 games during his Tech career, earning All-ACC honors as a junior. After an injury-shortened senior season, Gotsis was drafted in the second round by Denver in April 2016. With Denver, Gotsis has played 32 games, starting 13 this past season.