BYU Football Star Parker Kingston Faces Felony Rape Charges in Utah
New and disturbing details have emerged in the serious rape case involving Brigham Young University wide receiver Parker Kingston. The redshirt junior, who plays for the prominent Mormon university, has been formally charged with felony first-degree rape following an alleged assault that occurred in St. George, Utah on February 23, 2025.
Accuser's Detailed Account and Alleged Digital Evidence
According to legal documents and reports from The Athletic, the unnamed female accuser, who was 20 years old at the time of the alleged incident, states she explicitly communicated her boundaries to Kingston multiple times through online messages before they ever met in person. She informed a forensic interviewer in June about these prior digital communications where she clearly expressed she did not want to have sexual intercourse with him.
The alleged victim's affidavit provides a harrowing sequence of events. She claims that Kingston arrived at her residence in the early hours of February 23, where they began watching a movie and engaged in some sexual activity that she specifies did not include intercourse. As Kingston began to fall asleep and she prepared for bed, she alleges he initiated sexual activity again. The woman asserts she told him to stop several times before he allegedly raped her.
This account was later reported to officers at St. George Regional Hospital, leading to a formal investigation. The Washington County Attorney's Office confirmed that detectives from the St. George Police Department gathered significant digital and forensic evidence, while also conducting interviews with all involved parties and other potential witnesses.
Kingston's Defense and Immediate Legal Consequences
In stark contrast to the accuser's version of events, Parker Kingston provided investigators with a sworn affidavit stating that all sexual interactions between them were completely consensual. The 21-year-old athlete was taken into custody earlier this week and is currently being held without bail at the Washington County Jail. His initial court appearance is scheduled for Friday, where formal arraignment proceedings will begin.
BYU Athletics released an official statement on Wednesday acknowledging Kingston's arrest. 'BYU became aware today of the arrest of Parker Kingston,' the statement read. 'The university takes any allegation very seriously, and will cooperate with law enforcement. Due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students, the university will not be able to provide additional comment at this time.'
Kingston's Football Career and Troubling Pattern at BYU
Parker Kingston emerged as a key offensive weapon for the BYU Cougars during the previous football season. He led the team in receiving with an impressive 924 yards and added five receiving touchdowns to his statistical resume. Additionally, he contributed on the ground with 26 carries for 123 yards and three rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his versatility as an athlete.
Disturbingly, Kingston is not the first BYU football star to face serious sexual assault allegations while representing the university. Former BYU quarterback Jake Retzlaff was previously accused of rape, strangulation, and biting in a civil lawsuit stemming from an alleged incident in November 2023. Although Retzlaff never faced criminal charges and the lawsuit was eventually dropped by both parties last June, he was found to have violated the university's strict Honor Code by admitting to sexual intercourse.
This violation resulted in a heavy suspension from the football team, prompting Retzlaff's decision to transfer to Tulane University. At Tulane, he led the Green Wave to a notable appearance in the College Football Playoff, continuing his athletic career despite the serious allegations that shadowed his departure from BYU.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigation
The case against Parker Kingston raises significant questions about athlete conduct, institutional response, and victim advocacy within collegiate sports programs. As the legal process unfolds, investigators continue to examine the digital evidence and witness statements that form the foundation of this serious felony case.
The timing of these allegations is particularly notable given Kingston's recent public appearance at a BYU basketball game where he revealed his engagement, highlighting the stark contrast between his public persona and the serious criminal charges he now faces. The coming weeks will determine the legal trajectory of this case and its impact on both Kingston's future and BYU's athletic program.
