Georgetown Basketball: 4 players accused of sexual harassment, assault

Georgetown basketball forward Joshua LeBlanc was dismissed from the team, and some pending legal troubles appear to be the reason why.

Forward Josh LeBlanc and guard James Akinjo were dismissed from the Georgetown basketball team on Monday night for the remainder of the season, according to a statement released by the program. Both players entered the NCAA transfer portal, which is a sign that neither intends to return to the Hoyas even if they are given that opportunity.

A report by Hoyas247 indicates that both Akinjo and LeBlanc appeared on a list of students that have been accused of sexual assault and harassment.

The details of Akinjo’s inclusion on the list are not yet clear, and multiple reports say his decision to transfer was a matter of on-court preferences.  He is not the subject of any known police investigations. The same cannot be said for LeBlanc, as his departure appears to stem from some alarming allegations against the 6-7 sophomore – along with teammates Galen Alexander and Myron Gardner.

According to court documents filed in the District of Columbia Superior Court, the three players had a complaint for assault and battery filed against him by a female student on November 5, the day the college basketball season started.

A temporary restraining order was then filed against LeBlanc and Alexander, for which a preliminary injunction was issued on November 20.

The student alleges that LeBlanc stole some items from her house in September and repeatedly threatened bodily harm against her and her roommate. Here is the full complaint, according to court documents.

"“In response to an alleged burglary that I believe Joshua LeBlanc committed against me on September 16, 2019, Joshua threatened bodily harm against myself and my roommate. He continued to threaten me verbally and via text message in the following week. Joshua has also committed violence against women in the past.“I believe that Joshua and his friends stole items from my living room and would like to be reimbursed for these items.“In response to the threats by Joshua LeBlanc and his two friends, my roommates and I have filed multiple police reports that are pending currently and being investigated. We continue to fear for our personal safety and well-being.”"

Another complaint filed by the plaintiff’s roommate also alleges sexual harassment, assault and battery by LeBlanc, Alexander, and Gardner.

"“[Claiming] sexual harassment and assault on 9/15 at my home. Home was burglarized by defendant [Myron Gardner] and two friends on 9/16 (Josh LeBlanc and Galen Alexander).“[I am] requesting them to stay away from myself, my friends, and my home.“Police reports [were] filed with MPD and QVPD. Investigations underway. These three individuals have been harassing and threatening my home “and personal harm or bodily injury since reporting.”"

No information is available at the current time as to the nature of the other pending police investigations mentioned by the plaintiffs.

Georgetown released the following statement on the matter:

"“Georgetown takes student conduct issues very serioulsy and ensures that they are investigated thoroughly. While we are not able to comments on specific cases, we have processes for investigating and adjudicating alleged violations of our student code that are fair to both parties. We encourage any student who has a concern to be in contact with the Georgetown University Police Department or the Office of Student Conduct.”"

Akinjo was named Big East Freshman of the Year last year after leading the conference in assists. He started 39 of a possible 40 games in his career with the Hoyas and averaged 13.4 points and 4.4 assists through seven games this season.

LeBlanc started 22 games for the Hoyas as a freshman but has come off the bench in his six appearances this year. He averaged 7.2 points and 2.7 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game.

Alexander committed to Georgetown in March after spending a year playing for Jones County Junior College. He is averaging 4.4 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.4 minutes per game off the bench. Alexander, who was AAU teammates with LeBlanc in high school, originally committed to LSU and played nine games for the Tigers in the 2017-18 season. However, he took a leave of absence and eventually left the school following an incident in which he and two other teammates were accused of shooting paintballs at pedestrians.

Gardner, a 6-6 freshman, committed to Georgetown in April. He is playing 9.8 minutes per game, averaging 3.7 points and 2.7 rebounds.

Stay tuned for more information as this story develops.