Allen Artis' case dismissed

Update: (10:22 p.m.): Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement that Allen Artis is officially on the UNC football team again.

"After conversations with Coach Fedora and Allen, we have reinstated Allen to our football program effective immediately,” Cunningham stated. 

Update: (5:45 p.m.): Orange County District Attorney Jim Woodall, said the decision to dismiss Artis' case was agreed upon mutually by both parties.

"I hope that they are able to move past this, these cases are very difficult, but they're both young and they've got bright futures and I hope that they fulfill those bright futures," Woodall said.

Update (10:14 p.m.): Athletic Director Bubba Cunningham said in a statement that Allen Artis is no longer suspended and is eligible to be on the UNC football team.

"Allen Artis is eligible for reinstatement to our football program," Cunningham stated. "Coach Fedora and I look forward to meeting with Allen and his family soon to discuss next steps moving forward."

UNC football player Allen Artis, who was suspended from the football team after he was charged with a misdemeanor assault  a female and sexual battery, had his case dismissed on Thursday. 

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Artis held a press conference with his attorney Kerry Sutton and her law partner Stephen Lindsay at the Old Well to discuss the dismissal. This will mark the conclusion of a legal battle which began in September of 2016, when then-sophomore Delaney Robinson held a press conference in which she said she was sexually assaulted by Artis on Valentine's Day and that investigators had mishandled her case. Artis was found not responsible through UNC's Title IX office in an original ruling and an appeal by Robinson. His trial was set for July 18.

Artis said that he was going spend more time with his family and friends and focus on moving forward with his life and getting a job.

“I’m just thankful that this process is finally over,” Artis said. “It’s been a long time, and it’s a bit overwhelming right now.”

Robinson’s lawyer, Denise Branch, said both parties came to the conclusion to dismiss the charges.

“The parties worked diligently at mediation to resolve this matter to their mutual satisfaction resulting in a dismissal of the charges,” Branch said in a statement. “The resolution is confidential. Delaney has suffered immeasurably and hoped that today’s resolution could begin her healing.”

Sutton said she was suspicious of photo manipulation with a photo of Robinson’s neck that had circulated around the media. She said it was a possibility she might take legal action against Branch. 

Artis said he was keeping his options open concerning his current suspension with the football team and whether he’d be able to join the team again.

“I've been working hopefully now that this is really done, I'll be reinstated and have that opportunity to play football if I'd like to,” Artis said.

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Lindsay said Artis' academic performance declined because of the trial.

"Certainly we can also say too, it has had an impact as far as being able to be a student, maintain the grades that he has historically done, he's a wonderful student but his grades have suffered," Lindsay said. "He's had to postpone a graduation date later than he had anticipated, so it has changed the future for him in a lot of ways."

It is unknown whether or not Artis will rejoin the football team.