The NCAA has cleared Quintez Cephus to return to the University of Wisconsin football team after charges were dropped in his sexual assault case, the wide receiver announced Friday.
"So thankful to be eligible to play with my teammates! Thank you to everyone who helped get me to this point!" Cephus wrote, in part, on social media.
God is good! So thankful to be eligible to play with my teammates! Thank you to everyone who helped get me to this point! #OnWisconsin pic.twitter.com/Qx81n9LZ4N
— Quintez Cephus (@QoDeep_87) August 23, 2019
Wisconsin reinstated Cephus earlier this week after he was suspended from the team in August 2018 following charges of second- and third-degree sexual assault. UW officials determined Cephus had violated its non-academic misconduct policy and expelled him from the university last spring.
Cephus was acquitted of the charges Aug. 2 and returned to practice Wednesday, even though his eligibility with the NCAA was still in question at the time. Chancellor Rebecca Blank announced Monday that Cephus was allowed to return to the university and rejoin the team.
“I’m ready to win football games and start getting my education and I expect to do it at a very high level,” Cephus said Monday (via the Wisconsin State Journal).
Cephus said earlier this week that he doesn't have any intentions of transferring to another program, the Journal notes.
“Obviously, for Quintez to get through such a difficult time in his life and for him to have the opportunity that he wants,” UW junior running back Garrett Groshek said. “You just couldn’t be more happy for him.”
The 6-1 junior was a standout receiver for the Badgers before he was expelled, recording 501 yards receiving during the 2017 season. He has 34 receptions for 595 yards and six touchdowns in two seasons at UW.
Wisconsin opens the season Aug. 30 at South Florida.