Last season, cornerback Exodus Ayers was on the bench after being arrested on four felonies and multiple other charges in connection with allegations of domestic abuse.
The Oregon State University football player is still going to court status checks and has been practicing with the team. However, both the court case and his status as a player this fall are uncertain.
Ayers was charged Nov. 3 with seven counts of unlawful dissemination of an intimate image, four counts of harassment and three counts of fourth-degree assault, as well as counts of coercion, strangulation and
third-degree criminal mischief, according to the Corvallis Police Department.
These charges are all in connection to allegations of abuse from OSU student Daniella Rodriguez, Ayers’ ex-girlfriend.
Ayers pleaded not guilty to all charges at his arraignment that afternoon. He had posted bail and was released from custody that night.
The two coercion charges, the strangulation charge and the fourth-degree assault charge are all Class C felonies. The other 14 charges are misdemeanors. In Oregon, individuals found guilty of Class C felonies may be punished with up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $125,000. Misdemeanors are punishable with up to 364 days in jail and a fine of up to $6,250.
Ayers was ordered by the court to not to have any contact with Rodriguez or access her social media accounts.
Ayers did not play in any football games last season and was absent from the sidelines for several games. However, when practices began in the spring, Ayers was seen practicing with the team. He also played in the spring game on April 25.
Athletics administration did not respond to questions about Ayers playing this spring, nor have university officials commented on Ayers’ availability in the fall.
The university released a statement the day of Ayers’ arrest. Vice President for University Relations and Marketing Rob Odom wrote: “The university is aware of the pending charges involving Exodus Ayers, is gathering information and is addressing this with the seriousness and care that it warrants.” In June, Odom confirmed that the university had no update to share on the situation.
In 2024, Ayers recorded 21 tackles over eight games. Ayers appears in the video game EA Sports College Football 27, meaning he was paid for the use of his name, image and likeness.
Ayers last had a status check April 6 in the Benton County circuit court. His next appearance is scheduled for Aug. 10.
Ayers is represented by Mike Flinn of Albany.
