Full Breakdown
LSU Title IX Investigation Finds Football Player Responsible for Rape, Discipline Reduced Amid Ongoing Criminal Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Alleged Rape and Title IX Findings
Kendall Danielle Francis, an 18-year-old LSU student, says she was sexually assaulted on the night of October 2025 by a male LSU football player. She reported the incident to LSU police, received a hospital rape kit, and filed a Title IX complaint. LSU’s Title IX office concluded the player was responsible for sexual assault and forcible rape. The university initially imposed a one-year suspension, which the player appealed. The appeal resulted in the suspension being replaced with two years of disciplinary probation without restrictions, allowing him to remain on campus and continue playing football.
Timeline of Investigation and Disciplinary Actions
- October 2025 – Francis reports the alleged assault to LSU police; the response is classified as a mental-health call.
- December 2025 – LSU’s Title IX office receives the police report.
- January 2026 – Francis files a formal Title IX complaint.
- Mid-2026 – Title IX investigation concludes; the player is found responsible.
- Appeal – Suspension reduced to two years of probation; the player stays on the football team.
- September 2026 – East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore announces an open criminal investigation and requests records from LSU, campus police, Baton Rouge police, and the coroner’s office.
Data & Statistics
- Survivor’s age at assault: 18
- Accused’s age at police report: 19
- Initial disciplinary action: one-year suspension
- Revised disciplinary action: two years (four semesters) of probation without restrictions
- Criminal investigation status: ongoing; no charges filed
Official Statements & Responses
District Attorney Hillar Moore declared the case an “open criminal investigation” and outlined his office’s request for all relevant records.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Disciplinary terminology: Law Commentary describes the sanction as “two years of disciplinary probation,” while NBC News calls it “four semesters of probation.”
- Identity of the accused: The player’s name has not been publicly released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Now I am just trying to speak on my story, because LSU does really protect their athletes, especially their football players,” — Kendall Danielle Francis
- “This is now an open criminal investigation,” — Hillar Moore, parish district attorney
- “Let me assure everyone that this incident has been handled professionally and that LSU has strictly followed our policies, procedures and best practices, including the Title IX process, to guide our actions to date,” — Wade Rousse, LSU president
Why It Matters
The case underscores the tension between campus Title IX proceedings and criminal law, showing how disciplinary outcomes can differ from criminal expectations and raising questions about university communication with survivors.
What’s Next
The district attorney’s office continues to review the evidence and has not announced any charges. LSU has pledged ongoing cooperation with law-enforcement authorities while maintaining that its Title IX process complies with federal guidelines.