Oregon State University cornerback Exodus Ayers has yet to play this year following allegations of abuse, and OSU Athletics has not publicly commented on his status.
Ayers was accused of abuse in recent months by his former girlfriend, Daniella Rodriguez, who is also an OSU student. Rodriguez shared a video on TikTok on July 28, which shows her being pushed by a man whom she identified as Ayers to The Barometer. The video gained over 6 million views in two days.
Rodriguez filed a police report in early September that included a timeline of incidents during her relationship with Ayers, as well as evidence supporting her domestic abuse case.
Ayers was listed at the top of OSU’s depth chart for the CB position against both Cal and Fresno State. He did not play in either game, and was only present on the sidelines against Fresno State.
OSU Head Coach Trent Bray has repeatedly declined to comment on Ayers’ status and availability at press conferences.
Rodriguez said there was going to be a court hearing on Sept. 8, which she said she was not aware of until told by a journalist. The Barometer was not able to independently verify the content of the hearing.
Ayers’ lawyer did not respond to requests for comment.
Rodriguez told The Barometer that OSU’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access had started an investigation regarding her and Ayers after the TikTok video was posted. She also said that they had put a protective order in place for her.
“I spoke with OSU’s EOA, and they told me that they are doing an investigation, and they are listening to me,” Rodriguez said.
“OSU put… a protective order themselves too, so Exodus can not see me or do anything to me,” Rodriguez went on to say.
Assistant Athletic Director Hank Hager did not respond to requests for comment on whether Ayers was not playing due to the allegations against him.
“It’s illegal for the university employees to comment on allegations involving individual students due to federal privacy laws,” Vice President for University Relations and Marketing Rob Odom said in an email. Odom then gave general information about fair process and the EOA.
“When (the police) asked me, ‘Why now’, I was like, ‘Well, because this video blew up and now OSU actually wants to do something about it,’” Rodriguez said.
With Ayers yet to appear on the field for the Beavers, other players have rotated in and out of his slot, including redshirt senior Kobe Singleton and junior Jalil Tucker. It is not clear if Ayers will play against Texas Tech on Saturday.
OSU students can report domestic abuse and dating violence to EOA, who can share resources and options.
