Once a projected first-round pick, former Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley no longer intends to walk across the stage at the 2017 NFL Draft should his name be called among the first 32 selections.
According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Conley will not attend the first round of the draft in Philadelphia on Thursday night. This comes after Conley denied rape allegations earlier Tuesday stemming from an incident in downtown Cleveland on April 9.
Conley rose to first round status after brilliant performances both at the NFL Scouting Combine at the end of February and at Ohio State's Pro Day last month. He and fellow cornerback Marshon Lattimore were set to be the lone Buckeyes in attendance at the draft, among 21 other players. Safety Malik Hooker also received an invitation but chose not to attend.
Conley has not been charged or arrested in connection with the alleged incident, which took place in a Westin hotel bathroom suite. Speaking to WOIO-TV in Cleveland, Conley's attorney Kevin Spellacy called the allegations "ludicrous and ridiculous."
Cleveland police are in the process of setting up an interview with Conley about the matter, according to NFL.com.
The 2017 NFL Draft picks off at 8 p.m. on Thursday in Philadelphia.
