AUSTIN (KXAN) — Former Texas Longhorns wide receiver Isaiah Bond’s sexual assault case is now closed, and he said Thursday that he intends to sign an NFL contract.
A Collin County grand jury returned a no-bill and will not indict Bond on a sexual assault charge he turned himself in on before the NFL Draft in April.
“This concludes the criminal proceedings in this matter,” Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis said in a statement.
In a letter posted on social media, Bond said he intends to sign a contract with the Cleveland Browns after not being selected in the NFL Draft.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Cleveland Browns for believing in me and allowing me the opportunity to continue my career in the NFL,” the letter said. “I understand that playing in the NFL is a privilege, and I’m thankful every day to live my childhood dream.”
Bond denied the allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit against his accuser, identified as “Jane Roe,” a week after he turned himself in to Frisco, Texas police. It was dismissed with prejudice by a federal judge July 21 in Dallas. Court documents said that both parties agreed to have the case dismissed.
“I know there have been questions and reports about the recent allegations. I am grateful for the decision of the prosecutor and the courts not to pursue charges,” Bond’s letter said. “I will learn from this experience as I grow in wisdom, character and faith. On the advice of my attorney, I will not discuss the details of this case, but I want to be clear. From the very beginning, I have refuted these allegations and maintained my innocence. I stand firm by that today.”
Bond was projected by many experts to be selected in the NFL Draft prior to the allegations. After playing two seasons for Alabama, Bond spent his junior season with the Longhorns, catching 34 passes for 540 yards with five touchdowns.