Rape case dropped against Broncos defensive end Adam Gotsis
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) - Prosecutors in Atlanta are dismissing a rape case against Denver Broncos defensive end Adam Gotsis that stemmed from an alleged assault more than five years ago while he was at Georgia Tech.
Fulton County District Attorney Paul L. Howard Jr. said in a statement Wednesday that "after a careful and thorough investigation" his office had decided not to proceed with the case.
"My office understands the sensitivity and significance of these investigations, but the evidence presented does not warrant any further action in this case," Howard said.
A 30-year-old woman went to Atlanta police headquarters on Feb. 1 and told an investigator that Gotsis had raped her on March 9, 2013. The woman said she went to a party with Gotsis and then he took her to his home and assaulted her.
Gotsis turned himself in March 7 and he was released that day on $50,000 bond.
A third-year pro, Gotsis continued working out with the Broncos while authorities investigated the woman's allegations.
"I'm just relieved that everything is being taken care of," Gotsis said after practice. "You don't really know what's happening. You have faith that things are going to work out. I'm glad to be out here with the guys, running around. There's no place I'd rather be."
Gotsis found out after team meetings when coach Vance Joseph informed him. Gotsis said it's been weighing on him.
"It's harder when you're alone and you're really not in the building," said Gotsis, who's from Australia. "When you're in the building, it's so caught up in football and everything. It's more when you're alone and stuff and you're thinking about it. That's what you have friends and family for, to support you when you have no one else."
Asked if he's concerned about a possible penalty from the league, Gotsis responded: "They did a good job of communicating with the team, making sure everyone is on the same page throughout everything. I'm just going through and playing football. Focusing on what I need to do to help this team win."
The second-round pick had 41 tackles last season. On the depth chart, he's currently listed as one of the starting defensive ends.
"A few close guys came up to me, congratulated me and stuff. They're more relieved for my sake," Gotsis said. "Outside of this, we're all human and stuff. There are guys that care about me outside of football. It's good to have them come say some stuff to me."
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