Mizzou opens investigation into MU basketball player Terrence Phillips
UPDATE 6:30 p.m.: ABC 17 News has independently confirmed that the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX is investigating Phillips.
ABC 17 News received an email from an alleged victim saying “the University is proceeding with an investigation against Terrence Phillips.”
The email was originally sent by an investigator in the Title IX office.
UPDATE 4:52 p.m.: Mizzou released a statement saying, “While we cannot confirm or deny any actions from the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, we are aware of today’s media reports regarding one of the university’s students.”
“We want to reiterate that the safety of our students, faculty and staff is paramount. The university takes alleged violations of Title IX very seriously, and any allegations are investigated thoroughly and fairly. In some cases, interim measures are taken while an investigation is pending.”
ORIGINAL: The University of Missouri Title IX office has opened up an investigation into junior guard Terrence Phillips, per a report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The Post-Dispatch received an email from an alleged victim which said, “based on additional information received by our office, the university is proceeding with an investigation against Terrence Phillips.”
The Mizzou men’s basketball team suspended Phillips Friday night. The team released this statement:
“Terrence Phillips has been suspended indefinitely from the Mizzou Men’s Basketball program for a violation of team policy. Phillips’ future status with the program will be determined in coordination with campus and department leadership.”
Phillips is averaging 2.5 points per game. The junior guard has played in 20 games for Mizzou this season.
On Saturday, Mizzou basketball coach Cuonzo Martin told reporters Phillips’ status with the team moving forward is “up in the air.” We reached out to the team on Sunday morning, but we have not heard back yet.
An MUPD spokesperson told ABC 17 News Saturday he does not know of any investigations into Phillips. We reached out to the Columbia Police Department and the Mizzou Title IX office, but we have not heard back from either of them yet.
We will continue to follow this developing story.
