Former Georgia LB Adam Anderson sentenced to one year in jail in rape case

Former Georgia linebacker Adam Anderson has been sentenced to one year in jail as a result of a plea deal stemming from a rape trial. Anderson pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of sexual battery.

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Dylan Jackson, Anderson is not allowed to contact either of his two accusers and will turn himself in to the Athens-Clarke county Jail. The district attorney asked for a 24-month sentence for Anderson.

Anderson also apologized in open court as another part of the deal.

“I’m sorry for what I did to them,” Anderson said.

After the hearing, Anderson’s attorney provided a brief statement to the AJC.

“I always appreciate a judge attempting to be as reasonable under the circumstances as he or she could be,” Sadow said.

In 2021, Anderson was suspended from all team activities as a result of an alleged incident which took place in October of that year.

Athens-Clarke County police opened an investigation after a 21-year old female told police she went to an Athens residence from 12 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Oct. 29, 2021, after having drinks. She allegedly awoke with Anderson penetrating her while lying in bed. Furthermore, she told police it was nonconsensual and she was able to leave.

She reported the incident at 2:39 p.m. the same day, when the department’s Criminal Investigations Division interviewed her.

Anderson never played another game after his suspension after putting up big numbers at Georgia. He had 67 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks during his four-plus seasons in Athens and generated some NFL Draft buzz. After Monday’s ruling, Anderson’s attorney didn’t rule out a potential attempt to play in the NFL.

“It’s definitely not over with,” Sadow said.

More on the rape allegations against Adam Anderson, ensuing trial

In April 2022, Anderson was indicted and charged by a grand jury. His attorney took time after the decision to release a statement on the case as his client continues facing these charges.

“Adam respectfully reminds the public and his supporters that he was not permitted by law to participate in the grand jury proceeding, which is totally under the control of the prosecution,” Anderson’s attorney, Steve Sadow, said in a statement to ESPN. “This means his defense was not presented or argued to the grand jurors. Adam will plead not guilty to the charge and continue his fight in court to clear his name and reputation. Adam once again appeals to the good citizens of Athens-Clarke County to keep an open mind and not prejudge his case.”

On3’s James Fletcher III contributed to this report.