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On Monday morning at 10 a.m. CT, the University of Wisconsin released a statement announcing that former Wisconsin student and Badgers wide receiver, Quintez Cephus, had been reinstated to the university “effective immediately.”
Here is the statement in full:
UW–Madison has a responsibility to investigate allegations of sexual misconduct in a prompt and thorough manner, as directed by state and federal laws. The university applies its code of conduct impartially and consistently regardless of the identities of the individuals involved.
In the case of Quintez Cephus, this process functioned appropriately and in accordance with state and federal guidelines and proceeded based on the information available to UW–Madison at the time of the university’s investigation and hearing process.
UW–Madison obtained information following the criminal proceeding that was not provided to the university during the student conduct process. Chancellor Rebecca Blank conducted a review of this information and the petition for Quintez Cephus’ reinstatement as quickly as possible and in a complete and impartial manner.
As a result of this review, sanctions for Quintez Cephus have been reduced and his expulsion lifted. There were findings of responsibility of the student non-academic misconduct code that were upheld.
Mr. Cephus has been reinstated as a UW–Madison student, effective immediately.
“All three of the primary participants in this case are our students, and I know the past year has been painful for everyone involved,” said Blank. “My decision is based on the availability of substantial new information that wasn’t made available to us during the earlier process. I recognize that some will disagree with this decision.”
“To those in our community who have experienced sexual assault, I sincerely hope that there is nothing in this case that will deter you from coming forward for support,” she added. “Our university continues to be prepared to listen and respond.”
Cephus was found not guilty in court on August 2nd and made plans to reapply to school as soon as possible. After 10 days, Cephus and his legal team held a press conference demanding that the University allow Cephus back into school “immediately.” The press conference was attended by over a dozen current teammates who stood in support of Cephus.
There was also a strong social media campaign to #LetQTPlay, a hashtag posted by both current and former Badgers.
Now that the nonsense is over, there’s no reason for him not to be on the field with the boys this season #LetQTPlay pic.twitter.com/ZxIaokvh00
— Dare Ogunbowale (@DGO23_) August 6, 2019
Coach Chryst was on record as saying that he would welcome Cephus back to the team if it was what he (Cephus) wanted to do.
UPDATE (12:23 pm CT):
Why was #Badgers Q. Cephus out of the loop today? His phone was, um, out of service for a bit. "He jumped in our pool and his phone was in his pocket for 20 minutes underwater. It was toast."
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) August 19, 2019
Whether or not Cephus will play football this season is still TBD, but that sounds like plan A is to play for the #Badgers in 2019. https://t.co/wbrPDQGktl
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) August 19, 2019
.@UWBadgers receiver Quintez Cephus, who was reinstated as a student at @UWMadison today following his acquittal on sexual assault charges, will appear at a 4 p.m. news conference in Madison to discuss the development
— Scott Bauer (@sbauerAP) August 19, 2019
He, and many others, had been pressuring UW to reinstate him
UPDATE (4:05 p.m. CT):
Quintez Cephus says his plan is to return to Wisconsin's football team and to play this season.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) August 19, 2019
“I’m here to come back to school here and to go to practice with my teammates.” - Quintez Cephus pic.twitter.com/Hfkv8OESQW
— Amy Gill (@amygillsports) August 19, 2019
Quintez Cephus said he expects to return to football and academics at a very high level. He's unsure of his scholarship situation, however. #Badgers
— Dave Heller (@dave_heller) August 19, 2019
Cephus interrupts his lawyers to say thanks to the media, thanks everyone for their work and hopes for the best for all of them.
— Melissa Y. Kim (@melissaykim) August 19, 2019
And that's the end.#Badgers #OnWisconsin
Cephus said he was on his way to see coach Paul Chryst after the press conference. Said Chryst told him he was happy he was back. #Badgers
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) August 19, 2019
We will have more on this developing story as news comes out.