Arterio Morris Has Rape Case Dropped; Kansas CBB Dismissed Player After Being

Douglas County, Kansas, prosecutors have filed a motion to seek the dismissal of a felony rape case against ex-Kansas basketball player Arterio Morris without prejudice, citing insufficient evidence.

“We dismissed the case because we do not intend to proceed with it,” Douglas County public information officer Cheryl Cadue said, per Shreyas Laddha and Bill Lukitsch of the Kansas City Star. The District Attorney’s Office did not provide further comment.

The KC Star added that prosecutors could refile charges in the future with the case being dismissed without prejudice, as there is no statute of limitations on rape charges in the state of Kansas.

Per the Associated Press, Morris was charged with one felony count of rape after a criminal complaint alleged that he sexually assaulted an 18-year-old on Aug. 26 in McCarthy Hall, home to the men’s basketball team plus other male residents.

He was charged on Sept. 29 and subsequently dismissed from the program.

After news of the dropped charges broke Tuesday, Morris released this statement on Instagram:

“For about two years we have stayed silent waiting for justice to run its course, but also trusting that the truth would come to light; which is that I am not guilty of the horrible allegations made against me. It has been a path of trials, sorrow, and despair; but also one in which I was able to grow and become wiser to discern who I invite into my life. Today, I close a horrible chapter in my life and now I look into my future with hope and with more desire to be who I was destined to be. I am moving forward with God and my family by side.”

Morris was a 5-star recruit (and No. 16 prospect overall) in the 247Sports’ composite class of 2022 men’s basketball rankings and a McDonald’s All-American as well. The Dallas native chose to attend Texas for 2022-23.

Prior to the season, Morris was arrested and charged in June 2022 with a Class A misdemeanor for assault causing bodily injury to a family member, per Brian Davis of the Austin-American Statesman. The charge was in regards to an alleged incident involving his ex-girlfriend, who said he physically assaulted her after she wanted to break up with him.

The Kansas City Star provided more information on the conclusion of that charge:

“Morris initially received a Class A misdemeanor assault charge and was set to appear for a jury trial on October 2, 2023. But the trial was canceled on Sept. 14, when Morris entered a nolo contendere (no contest) plea to a Class C charge and was ordered to pay a fine of $362.”

Morris played with Texas in 2022-23, averaging 4.6 points in 11.8 minutes per game for the Big 12 tournament champions. He transferred to Kansas in April 2023.