Utah Football’s Donte Banton, Roommate of Terrell Perriman, Under Investigation Relating To Rape Charges
Mar 3, 2020, 1:04 PM | Updated: 3:08 pm
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
(Photo courtesy of Utah Athletics)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – University of Utah football player Donte Banton was suspended indefinitely from the team. The Deseret News reported the suspension is related to him being under investigation in connection with Terrell Perriman who was charged with multiple counts of rape.
Banton and Perriman were roommates, according to the Deseret News report.
Perriman was arrested in January on charges of suspicion of kidnapping, rape and enticing a minor, according to arresting documents.
Kyle Whittingham announces Utes’ Donte Banton, Sione Lund have been suspended
By @DirkFacerhttps://t.co/eR88vdJxmD— Deseret News Sports (@desnewssports) March 3, 2020
On February 21, Perriman had six more felony charges filed against him, according to court documents.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham confirmed the suspension on the first day of Utah’s spring football.
“Whether they get reinstated or not will be determined at a later time,” Whittingham told the media.
.@Utah_Football head coach Kyle Whittingham has suspended LB Sione Lund and WR Donte Banton indefinitely.
"Whether they get reinstated or not will be determined at a later time."
Maxs Tupai will not participate in spring ball due to personal reasons.#GoUtes pic.twitter.com/NKDekcJYe9
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 3, 2020
According to the Deseret News, Salt Lake Police confirmed Banton is being investigated to determine if he was involved in the sexual assaults Perriman is accused of committing. He is also being investigated for a separate rape, according to a search warrant affidavit filed in 3rd District Court.
Banton has not been arrested or charged as of March 3.
