Former Texas star Isaiah Bond has revealed that he plans to join the Cleveland Browns after sexual assault allegations against the wide receiver were dropped.
Bond was a highly-ranked prospect heading into this year’s NFL Draft but, following his arrest in April, he was passed over by all 32 teams.
On Thursday, however, the case was dropped and Bond announced that the Browns were now ‘allowing (him) the opportunity to continue his career in the NFL.’
The 21-year-old always denied the claims, branding them ‘patently false’ back in April. He later filed a federal complaint against his accuser.
This week, Collin County (Texas) District Attorney Greg Willis confirmed that Bond will face no further criminal charges.
Willis said: ‘After reviewing all the evidence presented, a Collin County grand jury returned a “no bill” in the sexual assault charge involving Isaiah Bond, meaning no indictment will be issued. This concludes the criminal proceedings in this matter.’
Former Texas star Isaiah Bond has revealed that he plans to join the Cleveland Browns
Bond was a highly-ranked prospect but, following his arrest in April, he went undrafted
Shortly after, Bond released a statement of his own, announcing that he will now fulfil his childhood dream.
‘I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Cleveland Browns for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to continue my career in the NFL,’ he wrote.
‘Football has been my passion since I was six years old, and playing at this level is a blessing I will never take for granted. I understand that playing in the NFL is a privilege, and I’m thankful every day to live my childhood dream.’
According to ESPN, no deal with the Browns has yet been finalized. But Bond thanked Cleveland GM Andrew Berry and owner Jimmy Haslam, insisting he is ‘determined to prove the Browns organization and everyone who believes in me right.’
The wide receiver refused to divulge details of his sexual assault case. He did, however, say he was ‘grateful for the decision of the prosecutor and the courts not to pursue charges.’
‘I will learn from this experience as I grow in wisdom, character and faith.’
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