Gopher football player charged with sexual misconduct

Dominic Jones
Gopher football player Dominic Jones is charged with sexual misconduct for allegedly having sex with a woman who was "physically helpless," according to the criminal complaint.
Photo courtesy of Hennepin County

Hennepin County prosecutor Mike Freeman says the 18-year-old woman had a blood alcohol of more than three times the legal limit. Freeman said the woman drank heavily and had sex with the three players. She later passed out.

Freeman said Jones arrived at the apartment later and had sex with the woman, which was recorded on another Gopher player's cell phone.

"The sex act was recorded on the cell phone video, which was later deleted. A short portion of the deleted video was recovered as a result of some fine police work and painstaking forensic evidence," said Freeman. "A picture is worth a thousand words, and that cell phone video really reflects what happened at that point in time."

The woman went to Regions Hospital for a sexual assault examination and it was determined there that she had a blood-alcohol level of more than 0.30 percent, Freeman said, "a level at which motor function is lost."

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The complaint says Jones' DNA linked him to the incident. Three other Gopher football players were arrested in the case in April but have not been charged.

"The charges represent a significant next step in this case," Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman said. "The charge is a serious one," and added that more charges may be filed.

Dominic Jones is one of the Gophers' best defensive players. He's started 20 straight games over the last two seasons and has gained the reputation of a fiery competitor with a knack for making big hits despite being just 5 feet 8.

Last season Dominic Jones had two interceptions and 82 tackles, a high number for a cornerback. He also emerged as a standout kick returner, leading the Big Ten with a 23.0-yard average and returning one 99 yards for a touchdown against Cal.

He went to the same high school in Columbus, Ohio as Daniels and Massey, who is Dominic Jones' half-brother.

In a prepared statement, Brewster said Jones has been suspended. Athletic director Joel Maturi said the school is cooperating with the investigation.

"The conduct alleged in this case does not reflect the expectations and aspirations that the university has for its student-athletes or any of its students," Maturi said in the joint statement. "Accordingly, appropriate disciplinary action will be considered as we gain more information."

Dominic Jones' attorney, Earl Gray, declined comment.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)