Lorman, Miss. — A registered sex offender is now one of the football stars at Alcorn State University.
Jamil Cooks, 23, enrolled after being found guilty in April 2013 of abusive sexual contact at the Air Force Academy. He is required to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life. But, there’s nothing in the NCAA’s book of rules that prevents him, or anyone with a criminal conviction, from playing college sports.
Since joining the Braves, Cooks has helped the team move to just one win away from the South Western Athletic Conference’s (SWAC) East division title. ASU, in a written statement to ABC News, said that the well-being and safety of its students is its’ top priority and that they are in full compliance with federal campus safety and notification laws.
Cook was one of two Air Force Academy football teammates who were taken to military court for sexual assault. His conviction was based on a highly controversial investigation that also resulted in the dismissals of more than a dozen other cadets. Cook’s lawyer said the case is far from over and that it’s being appealed.
