Penn State coach James Franklin declined to answer questions from reporters Wednesday after two of his former players were accused by police of raping a 17-year-old girl in their apartment on July 7.
Former Nittany Lions defensive end Jameial Lyons, 19, is facing felony charges of rape, aggravated assault without consent, voluntary deviate sexual intercourse and misdemeanor charges of indecent assault without consent and invasion of privacy without consent.
Former Penn State linebacker Kaveion Keys, 19, is charged with felony rape, aggravated assault without consent and sexual assault and misdemeanor indecent assault without consent.
Lyons was released on $500,000 bond by Centre County Magisterial District Judge Donald M. Hahn during an arraignment Wednesday; Keys was released on $400,000 bond.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled on Oct. 30.
Following Wednesday’s practice, a reporter started to ask Frankin about the criminal case. Franklin walked away from the microphone, and a university spokesperson read a prepared statement that said: “Regarding the two former Penn State football players, we released a statement yesterday and our program and athletics department will have no further comment.”
When another reporter attempted to ask Franklin about dismissing the players, he walked away again.
“Again, guys, the university already released a statement,” the spokesman said.
The Centre Daily Times posted to its social media accounts a video of the exchange between Franklin and reporters.
According to a police criminal complaint and affidavit of probable cause obtained by ESPN, the 17-year-old female student told police she met Keys and Lyons at an off-campus apartment on July 6 and went to their apartment early the next morning.
The woman told police that Keys and Lyons provided her and two other girls with alcohol. While the victim watched TV with the players in Keys’ bedroom, according to the affidavit, the players smoked marijuana.
The woman told police that while she was trying to fall asleep, the players approached her from both sides and touched her without consent. She told police that she was forced to perform oral sex on both men.
She said the players raped her and she was unable to stop them because of their size. The victim told police that her arms were restrained and that the players grabbed her by the neck and choked her on several occasions. The victim said she couldn’t breathe.
The woman told police that she saw a camera flash, which she believed was from one of the players recording a video of the incident.
According to the affidavit, the victim “physically resisted and managed to get away. She screamed and swore at Keys and Lyons.” The victim tried to wake up two other women in the apartment.
Lyons “grabbed the victim, carried her outside, and dropped her on the ground,” according to police.
Police alleged that Lyons told the woman, “B—h, you’re not coming back here ever and stay the f— out of our life.”
Another woman told police that after waking up in the apartment to vomit, Lyons led her to his bedroom. She told police that she woke up without her pants on, while Lyons was sexually assaulting her.
On July 8, Penn State University Police served a search warrant at the apartment and interviewed Lyons and Keys. Initially, Keys told police that there were women in their apartment on July 7, but denied knowing the 17-year-old victim or having sex with any of the women.
Lyons told police that he had sex with the 17-year-old woman and that Keys participated in the sexual encounter. The affidavit said Lyons “demonstrated the manner in which he held the victim’s arms and grabbed her by the neck.”
“Lyons expressed the belief the contact was consensual; however, Lyons reported having an awareness the victim would likely report the situation to the police,” the affidavit said.
Police reported that a “short video documenting indecent contact” with the 17-year-old victim was located on the camera roll of Keys’ cell phone.
Penn State suspended Lyons and Keys from the football team in August.
“We are aware of the serious charges against Mr. Keys and Mr. Lyons, who are no longer enrolled at the University,” a university spokesperson said in a statement. “The safety of our community is our top priority, and Penn State takes any report of sexual assault or misconduct very seriously and investigates any and all reports.”
Lyons, from Philadelphia, played in eight games as a freshman at Penn State in 2023. Keys, from Varina, Virginia, did not play and redshirted last season.
Book professional Houston Airport Cab or Houston Airport Taxi service today. Our Airport Cab Houston and Airport Taxi Cab Houston provide safe, convenient rides. Choose Cab Service to Houston Airport, Houston Airport Drop-off Taxi, Houston Airport Pickup Cab, Houston Airport Pickup Taxi, Houston Cab to Airport, Houston Taxi to Airport, Taxi Service Houston Airport, and trusted Houston Cab Companies.
Looking for affordable luxury party buses in West Palm Beach? Perfect for weddings, proms, or any celebration, our party buses feature stunning interiors, unbeatable comfort, and competitive pricing. Make your event unforgettable with top-tier service and customizable packages. Rent your ideal party bus in West Palm Beach now!
West Palm Beach party bus rental offers affordable, luxury transportation for every event, from bachelor and bachelorette parties to birthdays, weddings, and proms. Choose West Palm Beach’s top party bus company for reliable, stylish, and unforgettable group celebrations.
Enjoy the height of elegance with Luxury Limo Service in Miami. We offer Affordable Luxury Limousine Miami for all events and travel needs. Whether you need a Miami Executive Limo Service or a VIP Chauffeur Limo Miami, expect premium treatment. Book our Premium Black Car Service Miami for seamless, stylish journeys.
Let Party Bus Miami turn your event into an adventure! Ride through the city in a luxurious prom party bus Miami, enjoy a beach tour in a Miami Beach party bus, or celebrate your day in a birthday party bus Miami. Even our kids party bus Miami and party bus with pole Miami deliver thrills!
Providing wheelchair-accessible coaches with lifts, ADA Bus Company serves the transportation needs of individuals with mobility challenges in Washington, DC. Their commitment to accessibility ensures that all passengers can travel comfortably and conveniently throughout the nation’s capital.
Travel in style and peace of mind with Airport Transfers Bahamas. Our luxury fleet is crafted for comfort and meets the highest safety standards, ensuring an elegant experience.
Travel in comfort and elegance with Nassau Airport to Atlantis transportation. Services include private vehicles and shuttles, offering a safe and smooth journey to your luxury resort.
From the airport to the altar, Limo Hire Dubai delivers style and class. Our Dubai Limousine Hire packages include Stretch Limo Hire Dubai and professional Chauffeur Driven Limo Dubai service. Hire a Limousine in Dubai for an extraordinary ride that fits your budget.
Start your trip in style with Rolls Royce Airport Transfer Dubai. Our Rolls Royce Chauffeur Dubai Airport ensures timely arrivals. From Dubai Airport Transfer Rolls Royce to Rolls Royce Airport Taxi Dubai, everything is premium. Hire Rolls Royce Dubai Airport or book a VIP Rolls Royce Airport Transfer Dubai today.
Relax in premium comfort with Luxury Van Rental Dubai, your go-to for elegant group mobility. Our service features top-rated Dubai Luxury Group Transport, business-class Executive Van Service Dubai, and customized rides via Private Van Rental Dubai and VIP Van Hire Dubai. Experience the luxury difference in every trip.
Unleash the allure of Dubai in our stretch limousines. For special moments, corporate travel, or leisure, our chauffeur-driven limousines provide a lavish and memorable experience, turning heads across the city.
Black Tie Transport offers exceptional shuttle service from Rancho Cucamonga to LAX. Their affordable LAX shuttle service, luxury car services, and private car options ensure comfort. With reliable Rancho Cucamonga airport transfers, SUV transportation, and efficient transportation services to LAX, Black Tie delivers a premium airport travel experience.
Need Handicap Taxi Near Houston? Our Wheelchair & Handicap Transportation ensures professional service with Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Houston, Wheelchair Taxi Houston, and Wheelchair Transportation Houston options. We provide safe, timely, and comfortable rides for passengers with mobility needs across Houston.