Arrest of N.J. Basketball Star for Forcible Rape Allegation in Missouri
Keiner Asprilla, a star basketball player for St. Peter’s Prep, was arrested at the Jersey City school on Tuesday as a “fugitive from justice” for an alleged forcible rape that occurred on a recruiting visit to the University of Missouri in September. Asprilla, a 7-foot-1, 250-pound junior center, transferred from Don Bosco Prep to St. Peter’s Prep late last summer. According to the Columbia Police Department, officers responded to a report of a sexual assault “at an unknown location within the City of Columbia” on Oct. 8. The accuser alleged that the rape occurred on Sept. 20, just before midnight, when Asprilla, a four-star recruit, was in town as a celebrated prospect, police said.
University of Missouri’s Response
“The safety of our campus community is of great importance,” University of Missouri spokesperson Christopher Ave told NJ Advance media. “We are deeply concerned about these serious allegations. This alleged off-campus incident did not involve any of our students, and it was reported to the Columbia Police Department. We do not have sufficient information to comment further.”
Social Media Reaction
On social media, Missouri fans showed great interest in Asprilla’s visit as they re-posted images he took while riding on the highway via Instagram. After his visit ended, Asprilla posted photos of him sitting on a chair surrounded by Missouri’s coaching staff members, including head coach Dennis Gates, and holding a Colombian flag, during the visit.
St. Peter’s Prep Athletic Director’s Statement
On Thursday, St. Peter’s Prep athletic director Rich Hansen told NJ Advance Media, “Keiner is not with us currently and is dealing with a personal matter” before citing student privacy to decline further comment.
Game Without Asprilla
St. Peter’s Prep played without Asprilla in a game at crosstown rival Hudson Catholic on Thursday night. Near the end of the third quarter of a tight game, students in Hudson Catholic’s cheering section chanted, “Where’s your center?” St. Peter’s Prep administrators implored their students on the other side of the gym to ignore “the ridiculous chants” and motioned for them to keep calm. The teams and student sections battled back and forth in a heated gym for more than two hours. In double overtime, Hudson Catholic won, 74-70.
Random Humanizing Touch:
Asprilla, known as “K Money,” has faced challenges both on and off the court. This incident sheds light on the complexities of the lives of young athletes and the impact of their actions on their communities and future careers. It is a reminder that athletes are people first, with their own struggles and triumphs. How can we support young athletes in navigating difficult situations while holding them accountable for their actions?