Aiden Sullivan is still taking part in Oregon State practice after his arrest this month on charges tied to an alleged April assault, and the Beavers are keeping him on the field while the legal process moves forward.
Sullivan was back with the rest of Oregon State’s linebackers Monday morning at Reser Stadium. He is facing felony assault in the second degree and two misdemeanor assault in the fourth degree charges stemming from an alleged incident on April 5.
Sullivan has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a status hearing is set for Aug. 25.
Oregon State coach JaMarcus Shephard said the program is standing by Sullivan as he continues to practice.
“We have wrapped our arms around Aiden Sullivan to give him the best chance to go out there and perform his job the way that he’s supposed to,” Shephard said. “We live in a world where if all of us were defined by the worst thing that we had ever done, none of us would probably have many opportunities - I know I wouldn’t. If I was judged on the worst thing I’ve done, I probably wouldn’t have this opportunity to be here as a head coach at Oregon State.
“We’ve told him to worry about doing your job.”
Shephard did not say when or how he first learned about the alleged incident. The alleged assault happened two days before Oregon State resumed spring practice and while Sullivan was recovering from shoulder surgery in December. It remains unclear whether the linebacker was disciplined by the program in connection with the case.
Sullivan’s 72 tackles, including seven for loss, were the most among Oregon State’s returning players last season, and he is expected to start again this year.
Shephard also said Oregon State’s revenue share contracts with players include personal conduct clauses that could void the agreement if needed.
“As those things come up, we’ll execute those as they come up,” Shephard said.
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