Topics

More

James Franklin Expected to Testify in Rape Case Hearing via Skype

James Franklin is expected to testify today via Skype during a pretrial hearing for former players Franklin coached at Vanderbilt that have been charged with rape.

Brandon Vandenberg, Corey Batey, Brandon Banks, and Jaborian McKenzie — all of whom played for Franklin while he was the head coach at Vanderbilt — stand trial for rape. Early on June 23, 2013, they allegedly raped a student while on campus. The players were quickly dismissed from the team, and Franklin was cleared of wrongdoing. On August 9, 2013, the four were indicted on multiple aggravated rape and aggravated sexual battery charges.

Their trial is expected to begin Nov. 3.

Franklin’s name was splashed across headlines when a filing by the defense suggested the coach had contacted the alleged victim four days after the incident.

Franklin responded, and said, “The allegations that I did something wrong are simply not true. I have cooperated fully with the authorities in this matter but, out of respect for the legal process, I am not able to comment any further.”

The alleged victim, according to the defense attorney, had aided the football team in recruiting. Franklin, allegedly, wanted to make sure she was okay.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Ben Berkman

State College, PA

Penn State Trustee Signs Letter Supporting Protect College Sports Act Of 2026

Anthony Lubrano was just one of three signees listed with ties to the Big Ten.

What I Already Miss About Penn State

Only 83 days till school starts folks… but who’s counting?

Penn State Things That Could Happen Before The College Football National Championship On January 25

This is our year.

113kFollowers
69kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Ben

Nassib Healthy To ‘Kick Some Ass,’ Johnson And Hackenberg Seek Pro Evaluations

James Franklin made two things clear before the Lions travel South: Carl Nassib is 100 percent healthy for a game for the first time in more than a month, and Christian Hackenberg and Austin Johnson have both applied for draft evaluations from the NFL.

Gameday Observations: Return To Rec

Penn State Stomps Canisius, 81-67, In First Of Two Rec Hall Showdowns