I debated with myself about whether or not to post something in this thread. It's a delicate subject to talk about because simply hearing the word 'rape' creates strong feelings and strong opinions in nearly everyone.
That said, it appears that the incident took place at Armstrong's current residence, Armstrong himself is not likely involved, he knows the person accused, has spoken to said person, and was told by said person that the incident in question was consensual. Armstrong, Westerkamp, and Foster were interviewed by the police, apparently as potential witnesses and not as suspects. Armstrong was then interviewed by the press, where he implied that he was not involved with the incident in question but was told it was consensual, and said that the police told him and his housemates that they will be fine.
Assumptions can be made that, as part of the police interview, DNA samples were taken, even though the alleged victim has given a name to the police. Most likely to rule these young men out as potential suspects.
Given the fact that public opinion can sway the verdict in a case where there is not definitive proof, and that a mere accusation of rape can lead to immediate and permanant expulsion, revocation of pending student loans and disqualification of future student loans, and because of the marks in the accused's student records, said student can be denied entry into other universities... Armstrong probably did the right thing by implying to the press that he is not a current suspect.
Under recent Title 9 amendments and the current trend of instituting 'ongoing enthusiastic consent' standards in rape and sexual assault cases on universities, the definition of what exactly constitutes rape is becoming much more broad, the definition of consensual sex is becoming much more specific (and as implied, requires ongoing enthusiastic consent for the incident to be considered consensual sex, meaning that if one party initially consents but decides they do not want to continue, or in some of the broadest definitions, the victim can withdraw consent after the fact, especially in the cases where alcohol is involved. Usually in cases where the victim doesn't recall giving consent, even if consent was given before and during the act. Also, in some definitions, any amount of alcohol is enough to removes ones ability to give consent, so even if both parties consent, if one or both has consumed alchohol, it is considered rape.)
Given all the strong feelings about rape, sexual assault, and accusations of these acts, and the strong feelings is invokes in those that read about them in the news, distancing ones self from the situation publicly is the only viable defense against rumors, accusations, and Title 9 or NCAA investigations.
I hope that the alleged attacker is not a member of the football team, because this team does not need the distractions, this staff (already accused of fostering a rape culture) does not need the distraction, and the university does not need a reputation of having a dangerous campus.
I hope that the police take the alleged victims claims seriously and investigate with all due dilligence. I hope the alleged attackers rights to due process are not violated. I hope all possible evidence is legally gathered, that the jury is not unduly swayed by the press, and the prosecution and defense argue their cases fairly under the law. I hope justice is done and the truth is found.
GBR!
