Rape charges being dropped in North Alabama case

FLORENCE, Ala. - A University of North Alabama football player will be cleared to play now that rape charges are being dropped against him and two others.

Lauderdale County District Attorney Chris Connolly said Monday a grand jury heard from the victim, an investigator and the three defendants last week. It decided late Friday afternoon not to return an indictment. He said the rape charges will be dismissed.

Football players Deandre Harrison and Eddrick Harris and a non-student, D'Anthony Byrd, had been charged in March with the rape of a female student in a UNA dorm.

Harris no longer attends UNA. Harrison has continued to practice with the football team, but has not played due to the pending charges. University spokesman Jeff Hodges said the defensive lineman will now be cleared to play.

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