Stanford University has reversed its decision to admit Ayden Hector following a review of information about an investigation into the alleged sexual assault of a then 16-year-old girl in April 2018. Hector was a witness in the case and no charges have been filed.
Cardinal Sports Report requested an update Tuesday on Hector's status with the team when his bio was removed from the team website. The university sent the following reply:
“Under university policy, Stanford may rescind the admission of an applicant based upon a review of additional information. The university has taken that step with regard to an incoming undergraduate for fall 2020 who was scheduled to be a football student-athlete.”
Hector released a statement Wednesday night confirming that he is the student athlete referenced in the university press release:
“Two years ago, I was one of several witnesses who cooperated with the authorities in an 8-month long investigation which resulted in no charges being filed. It is unfortunate that complete strangers, including media outlets, have passed off false speculations, hearsay, and rumors about me related to this investigation. I can also confirm that Stanford’s decision regarding my admission was not in any way based on me being considered accused or a suspect of sexual misconduct, which I never was.”
Hector was a four star recruit who was admitted to the university in August before his junior year. He had scholarship offers from Alabama, Oregon, USC, Florida and many other top programs. He was expected to compete for significant playing time this upcoming season.
His older brother is a student at Stanford and his father, Zuri, played football at USC.