Virginia Commonwealth forward Mo Alie-Cox can look forward to a brighter future.
Per a report by Brandon Shulleeta of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, prosecutors will dismiss the misdemeanor assault charge against Alie-Cox following an altercation at a Richmond nightclub.
Earlier this month, it was alleged that Alie-Cox had punched a woman in the face after she had gotten into it with another woman in his group. Based on video footage from the club, it was determined that Alie-Cox was involved in the incident, but was not guilty of hitting the woman in the face.
VCU AD Ed McLaughlin released a statement on the impending dismissal.
“We have been informed by the Richmond Commonwealth Attorney’s Office they have determined that Mo had no involvement in the alleged assault and that the charges against him will be withdrawn,” said VCU athletic director Ed McLaughlin. “These actions confirm our knowledge and experience of Mo as an upstanding young man of the highest character who has represented our men’s basketball program and our university with exemplary leadership academically, socially and athletically. We look forward to watching him continue to represent VCU for the next two years as a member of our program.”
The Rams can now breathe easy and not have to worry about, arguably, their best defensive player being unable to play next season.
VCU is set to play its first season under new head coach Will Wade, now that Shaka Smart has departed for Texas, and having Alie-Cox on the court will definitely help the rest of the team adjust to the new regime.
A rising junior, Alie-Cox averaged 25.9 minutes per game last season and posted averages of 7.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per contest en route to helping VCU win an Atlantic 10 championship and a trip to the NCAA Tournament.
Not at all bad for someone just 6’6″, 250 pounds. Long story short, it’s a happy ending for him, and maybe an even happier one for the team.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
