HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Marshall University football player Brandon Drayton has been acquitted of charges of strangulation and domestic battery.
The verdict was announced Wednesday in Cabell County Circuit Court, news outlets reported.
Marshall suspended Drayton, 23, after his arrest last year. A complaint said a Marshall University police officer saw Drayton grab the accuser and yell at her. Investigators said she had red marks around her neck and chest area.
Defense attorney Rich Weston said no evidence was presented that she had been choked and the woman gave at least three statements about what happened that were inconsistent with one another.
Drayton, a redshirt senior safety, has not played in any games since the charges were filed, but an athletic department spokesman confirmed he would be available for Marshall's Sept. 19 game against Appalachian State.