Amateur wrestler and NCAA national champion A.J. Ferrari Jr, who signed a NIL (Next In Line) deal with WWE back in December 2021, is no more a member of the Oklahoma State wrestling team following his name being under investigation for sexual violence, as stated by The Oklahoman.
A.J. Ferrari under investigation for alleged sexual assault off-campus
It was reported after the school confirmed the Stillwater Police Department unleashed a proclamation on Wednesday saying that Ferrari was suspected of sexual offense investigation from an incident of 2nd July. “The suspect in the case has been identified as Albert Jame Ferrari Jr.,” said the statement. The case is under investigation as announced by the Police.
A representative for Oklahoma State University told NBC News that Ferrari “is no longer with the program.”
“The university has been made aware of an alleged off-campus sexual assault involving a student. We support the investigation underway by the Stillwater Police Department, and we will cooperate with them,” stated the university, “These are serious allegations, and we have processes in place to address any violations of OSU policy.”
The 20-year-old Ferrari was the champion of the NCAA 2021 in the 197-pound weight category. He has endorsed a name, image, and resemblance contract with World Wrestling Entertainment as part of its inaugural “Next In Line” program.
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Ferrari’s lawyer Dereck Chance said a false accusation is countered against his client.
“It is unfortunate that a student athlete can become a target, primarily because of their status as an elite athlete. AJ is cooperating with law enforcement and is confident the truth will come out. He appreciated his time at Oklahoma State, but he and the university mutually agreed a change was appropriate,” Chance said in a statement to The Oklahoman.
Ferrari’s discharge from the team takes place months after he met with a car accident that resulted in season-ending injuries.
According to the state patrol, he and Oklahoma State runner Isai Rodriguez was returning to Stillwater ensuing an impression as a youngster at wrestling practice in nearby Cushing when Ferrari attempted to overtake three cars while cresting a hill in a no-passing zone.
Ferrari had undergone head and leg injuries when his 2019 Dodge Durango clashed with another vehicle, left the road, rolled, and stranded in a trench while Rodriguez sustained minor injuries.
