Report: Indiana RB Morgan Ellison Looking at 2 and 1/2 Year Suspension For Sexual Assault

Morgan Ellison’s future with the Hoosiers looks to be done. Image: Sammy Jacobs Hoosier Huddle

Written By Evan McShane and Sammy Jacobs

The situation surrounding Indiana sophomore running back Morgan Ellison is becoming more clear. A university disciplinary panel has recommended Ellison be suspended from school for two and a half years, according to a report by the Indy Star. 

Indiana University's sexual misconduct hearing panel determined Ellison sexually assaulted a female in her sleep and used force to continue the assault once the female woke up. The panel recommended Ellison be removed from IU's campus, cease contact with the victim, and receive counseling. 

According to the Indy Star, it does not appear Ellison has appealed the panel's ruling, however, he has denied the use of force and maintains the interaction was consensual. Ellison has not been charged with a crime and it remains unclear if university police are investigating the matter. Indiana spokesperson Chuck Carney was unable to comment on the case due to privacy laws. 

Ellison has until the end of today to appeal the panel's ruling.

Indiana head coach Tom Allen said on His weekly Big Ten Teleconference last week that Ellison had returned to practice, but was still suspended indefinitely. “We still have no answer for his game opportunities” Allen said of Ellison, “but he’s been allowed to be around us on a consistent basis now, which has helped. But we still don’t know the long-term future yet, so we’re just taking it day-by-day. Being with him each day has helped. It’s helped him, it’s helped us and I enjoy being able to get that back in order.”

Ellison has not appeared in a game since being suspended in August. In 2017, Ellison was Indiana’s leading rusher as a freshman with 704 yards and six touchdowns.