The Douglas County (Kansas) district attorney has dismissed the battery charge filed against Kansas basketball player Carlton Bragg earlier this week. The charge stemmed from a report filed from a woman claiming that she was pushed down the stairs during an argument between the two on Dec. 9.
The charges were dropped against Bragg on Wednesday after Lawrence police obtained surveillance video of the incident, according to a report from the Kansas City Star.
According to the report, the woman initiated the contact. After about the "eighth slap," Bragg pushed back. From the report:
"After being struck by female, the male forcefully shoves her away from him causing the female to fall backwards up the ascending stairs behind her," according to the prosecutor's office release.
A battery charge has now been filed against Saleeha Soofi, the woman who filed the original report against Bragg.
"This has been a difficult and humiliating experience for me, and I'm glad it's over," Bragg said in a statement. "I appreciate the authorities taking the time to get this right. I also appreciate the support of my teammates and coaches, and I'm glad I can put this behind me and move forward."
Kansas coach Bill Self suspended Bragg indefinitely following the incident until more details from the investigation were available. In light of Wednesday's news, Bragg's suspension has been lifted, effective immediately.
"As we have said since this incident occurred, it was important for us to take this issue seriously and to allow the process to play out," Self said via statement. "I'm proud of the way Carlton has handled this situation, considering all the negative publicity he has received both locally and nationally. He knew all the facts and knew that he needed to refrain from comment while the investigation took place. We're glad this situation is resolved."
Kansas' next game comes on Saturday in Kansas City against Davidson.
