Cory Batey, Former Vanderbilt Football Player, Found Guilty of Rape
Apr 9, 2016
Former Vanderbilt University football player Cory Batey, front left, arrives for jury selection in his trial Monday, Nov. 3, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. Batey and former teammate Brandon Vandenburg are charged with the rape of an unconscious 21-year-old female student on June 23, 2013. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Former Vanderbilt football player Cory Batey was found guilty on one count of aggravated rape and three counts of aggravated sexual battery late Friday night.
Stacey Barchenger of the Tennessean confirmed the details of the retrial and noted Tennessee law required him to get taken into custody immediately.
Hayley Mason of WSMV provided a full breakdown of the charges and the jury's rulings:
Cory Batey is now in the Davidson County jail. Here is a breakdown of the verdict in the Vanderbilt Rape Retrial. pic.twitter.com/vkq8Acdk9b
The jury also found him guilty on four "less severe but related charges," per Barchenger.
Batey, along with fellow former Vanderbilt player Brandon Vandenburg, was found guilty of aggravated rape in January 2015 in the case. Last June, Davidson County Judge Monte Watkins declared a mistrial in the case, stating one of the jurors was "was biased and not impartial," per Steve Almasy of CNN.
The retrial verdict came after Batey, 22, and the woman both took the stand Friday before the sides delivered their closing arguments, according to the Tennessean. The jury deliberated for around two-and-a-half hours before reaching a verdict based on the incident in 2013.
The Associated Press reported the five-day trail featured "graphic images and videos" taken during the sexual assault of an unconscious student. Batey testified he didn't remember the alleged actions because he had been drinking and was drunk at the time:
Batey told jurors Friday that he had been drinking heavily with friends on campus in June 2013 and had never consumed so much alcohol in his life. He would later estimate that he had between 14 and 22 drinks.
Batey, who was 19 at the time, said he woke up the next day and saw pictures on his phone of a woman that he had never seen before.
Vandenburg is scheduled to go through a separate retrial in June. Two other former players, Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie and Brandon E. Banks, face charges related to the incident. Their cases are pending, according to the Tennessean.
The report notes the aggravated rape conviction against Batey carries a sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison. His sentencing is currently set for May 20.
Alontae Taylor to Vanderbilt: Commodores Land 4-Star ATH Prospect
Oct 6, 2015
The Vanderbilt Commodores football program added a weapon on the recruiting trail Tuesday.
Alontae Taylor, a 4-star prospect, became the first piece of Vanderbilt’s 2018 recruiting class. The dual-threat quarterback took to Twitter to make the announcement:
I would like to thank God for everything none of this would be possible without him With tht being said I have decided to Verbal Commit to..
Taylor checks in at 6’1” and 185 pounds and is the No. 94 overall player, the No. 7 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 5 prospect in Tennessee in the class of 2018, per 247Sports' composite rankings. The Tennessee native drew interest from Troy, Clemson, North Carolina and Tennessee, among others, but chose to stick close to home with the Commodores.
He suggested location was one of multiple factors that played a role in his decision, per Barton Simmons of 247Sports: “I just like their academics, football program and it’s close to home.”
Head coach Derek Mason seemed pleased with the news:
YESSIR! Safe to say we just won the Bye Week! #AnchorDown#RTI
Jesse Johnson of 247Sports called Taylor “one of the best players in the class of 2018” even though he may not play quarterback in college like he does in high school.
Even Taylor recognized that, per Simmons: “I think I’ll probably play wide receiver or defensive back in college.”
While Taylor left open the possibility of playing defense at Vanderbilt, Simmons noted the playmaker has already accounted for more than 900 yards of total offense in his high school season. An offensive playmaker like that is an ideal piece to set the foundation for a recruiting class because the coaching staff can pitch the opportunity to play alongside him in a high-scoring group.
Taylor has experience in the backfield as a quarterback but the speed and shiftiness to play on the outside and beat defenders in the open field.
If Vanderbilt ever hopes to compete with the elite programs in the SEC, it needs to stock up on athletes who can account for explosive plays. Taylor is an excellent start for the class of 2018.
Recruiting info courtesy of 247Sports unless otherwise noted.
Vanderbilt Apologizes for 'We Don't Need Your Permission' Football Slogan
Aug 6, 2015
Vanderbilt football has come under fire on Twitter for a poorly worded slogan that was being used as a rallying cry for the 2015 season.
Jeff Ermann of InsideMDSports.com provided the evidence of the Commodores' Twitter post:
Upon seeing the response to the slogan, the team did tweet out an official apology for appearing to make light of a very serious situation, even if that wasn't the intent:
We apologize for today’s tweet. It’s not a comment about sexual assault. Sex without permission is always wrong and not accepted. (1/2)
Sexual assault and rape, particularly on college campuses, has become a major topic of discussion recently.
In May, CNN's Kelly Wallace cited a study published by the Journal of Adolescent Health in which 19 percent of women claimed they "had been a victim of attempted or completed rape" during their freshman year.
Earlier, in January, per Stacey Barchenger and Joey Garrison of USA Today, former Vanderbilt football players Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey were found guilty on all counts of raping an unconscious woman in a dorm.
The tweet was not meant to suggest that Vanderbilt was trying to downplay issues of sexual assault, but given recent incidents involving the school and one of its female students, this was an unfortunate slogan to send out on social media.
Former Vanderbilt Football Players Granted Mistrial After Rape Conviction
Jun 23, 2015
Brandon Vandenburg looks at the jury as Judge Wilkins reads the charges during his trial on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015, in Nashville, Tenn. The jury deliberated for three hours before announcing that Vandenburg and Cory Batey were guilty of aggravated rape and aggravated sexual battery. (AP Photo/The Tennessean, John Partipilo, Pool)
Former Vanderbilt football players Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey were granted a mistrial by Nashville Criminal Court Judge Monte Watkins after one juror failed to reveal that he was a victim in a statutory rape case, per Stacey Barchenger of the Tennessean.
On June 24, the pair were released on bond, with the stipulation that both men wear GPS monitors and check in with bondsmen once a week, according to Paul H.B. Shin of ABC.com.
Vandenburg, 22, and Batey, 21, were convicted of multiple counts of aggravated rape and aggravated sexual battery, among other charges, in January. Their defense attorneys, however, maintained that the juror in question failed to disclose that he was the victim of a statutory rape in the hope that he would be put on the jury and that his history in such a case affected his ability to be impartial.
Despite protestations from the prosecution, Judge Watkins sided with the defense.
"The defendants have a right to a fair and impartial trial, a right that was violated by juror No. 9's conduct," the judge's order read, per Barchenger.
The defense is expected to request that both men be granted bonds after the judge's ruling.
What to Make of the Vanderbilt Football Rape Case Verdict
Jan 28, 2015
The defense gatherers after the jury was read the charges against Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2015 in Nashville, Tenn. Vandenburg and Batey, two former Vanderbilt football players, are each charged with five counts of aggravated rape and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. (AP Photo/The Tennessean, John Partipilo, Pool)
For two former Vanderbilt football players, the case is closed. How our society deals with sexual assault? That battle is far from over.
Brandon Vandenburg and Cory Batey were convicted on Tuesday on aggravated rape charges stemming from an attack in a Vanderbilt dorm room two years ago. According to Justin Moyer of the Washington Post, both players face 15 to 80 years in prison.
The two got their day in court and will likely spend several years behind bars for their indefensible and heartless actions. Two more former Vanderbilt players—Brandon Banks and Jaborian McKenzie—are awaiting trial for their alleged involvement in the incident as well.
The details are sickening. According to her testimony, the victim was unconscious during the attack and thus unable to remember what happened. However, pictures taken during the attack helped convict Vandenburg and Batey, per the Post:
The case was unusual because the victim had no memory of the assault and could not testify about it. But the images — some taken by Vandenburg and sent to his friends during the attack — ultimately helped convict him and Batey. Batey — 6 feet, 183 pounds — was a wide receiver from Nashville. Vandenburg, a former tight end from Indio, Calif., is 6 feet 6 inches and 260 pounds.
As heartbreaking as the event was, it was also an example of what happens when warning signs of sexual assault get swept under the rug. Though one question was answered—were Batey and Vandenburg guilty?—so many more remain unresolved.
Why did no one call the police that night?
Why did no one step in to help the victim? According to the Post, "Witnesses reportedly saw her partially naked in the hallway."
The attack happened in a dorm room, where there are no secret entrances or dark hallways.
Corey Batey
Why did four individuals feel the need, whether they explicitly had sex with the victim or not, to violate someone's body and spirit?
Why does this keep happening?
What are schools doing to prevent this? A college's top priority besides the education of its students is the safety of its students. Yet, stories at schools like Missouri and Notre Dame pop up year after year.
"That’s the culture that you really saw here," Deputy District Attorney Tom Thurman said via the Post. "Their mindset that they can get away with anything."
It doesn't matter if the victim or the attackers were drunk and/or under the influence of drugs. It doesn't matter how she dressed, what time they met or whether she knew her attackers or not. No one who is sexually assaulted ever "asks" for it.
"I want to remind other victims of sexual violence: You are not alone," the victim said via the Associated Press (h/t Fox Sports). "You are not to blame."
It's not at the rate it should be, but we are beginning to realize those truths. A victim is just that—a victim, not someone who should be shamed for what happened to them.
In light of the Ray Rice domestic abuse case, a series of commercials under the "No More" PSA have been released, some featuring NFL athletes. The video below will be featured during Sunday's Super Bowl:
Given the league's previous dealings on such matters, it's easy to be incredulous. Why does the NFL just now care about this? Still, the ads provide an important message on the domestic abuse/sexual assault front.
It is our responsibility to do something if we see or hear something suspicious, as David Climer of The Tennessean alludes to:
What we have learned via testimony in court over the last two-plus weeks is that things were horribly wrong at Gillette Hall on the Vanderbilt campus. Too many students — some of them athletes — chose not to intervene during the assault or in its aftermath.
A lot of people still have some explaining to do.
Likewise, some of Vanderbilt's policies for athletes have been called into question based on testimony during the trial.
Sexual assaults and domestic abuse cases have become a front-burner issue for this country. With the Rice and Vanderbilt cases, video and/or photographic evidence has been provided that gives these crimes a very real perspective we may not have been ready to see.
But, ultimately, it doesn't matter if we were ready. The victim of the Vanderbilt case wasn't ready, and neither were countless other victims.
We can be ready next time, though.
Ben Kercheval is a Lead Writer for college football. All quotes cited unless obtained firsthand.
Vanderbilt Football: Playing Ole Miss at LP Field a Smart Move
Apr 3, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN - AUGUST 29: Jalen Banks #24 of the Vanderbilt Commodores rushes against the Ole Miss Rebels at Vanderbilt Stadium on August 29, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
The Vanderbilt Commodores are looking to stay in the spotlight despite the loss of head coach James Franklin to Penn State.
To help remain in the spotlight, Vanderbilt will use one of their eight home dates in 2014 to play Ole Miss at LP Field, which is just a couple of miles from Vanderbilt's campus in Nashville.
This is the perfect game for Vanderbilt to choose to do this because it will be the only SEC game scheduled on that day.
Even if the game essentially turns into a neutral location after all of the Ole Miss fans spill into LP Field, it's still a smart move for Vanderbilt's football program.
Vanderbilt athletic director David Williams has done a superb job at trying new ways to elevate the Vanderbilt football program and commented that this is a great way to do that by playing at LP Field.
DM: It's a growing city and a growing brand and it puts us on a national stage as the only @SEC matchup playing that day
Playing "home" games at the larger LP Field gives Vanderbilt and their fans the chance to prove that they're ready to take the next step. They'll never do it playing in Vanderbilt Stadium, which seats fewer than 40,000.
It's fair to say that Vanderbilt and Ole Miss are equal competition to each other, giving Vanderbilt a decent chance at pulling off a big early season SEC win in front of a large crowd.
Vanderbilt has won four of the last six meetings with Ole Miss, and it's turned into a decent annual rivalry that will be magnified at LP Field.
Clay Travis of Nashville's 104.5 The Zone tweeted that he thinks it's just about the money for Vanderbilt.
Vandy will play Ole Miss at LP Field. Money grab is only reason I can think of. Will be 55/45 Ole Miss crowd.
That may be true, but exposure is ultimately what Vanderbilt has to keep getting if they're going to continue to rise up the college football ranks and gain more of a following in the local community.
However, this does mean that Vanderbilt fans have to prove that they can support their team like every other SEC team enjoys in bigger stadiums.
Even if Ole Miss splits the attendance with Vanderbilt, it's still more beneficial to be playing at LP Field.
Vanderbilt also still has seven other home dates to work with in what is a very favorable 2014 home schedule that should lead to another bowl berth.
It also helps in recruiting when potential prospects see that the opportunity is there to play in an NFL stadium when coming to Vanderbilt.
Thinking outside of the box is critical for Vanderbilt to sustain the recent success that it has enjoyed, and opening up the SEC schedule at LP Field is a good start.
Vanderbilt Football: Why the Commodores Are Poised for Another Strong Season
Feb 5, 2014
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 19: Jared Morse #97 of the Vanderbilt Commodores celebrates a Vanderbilt fumble recovery with teammates Andre Hal #23, Barron Dixon #44, and Karl Butler #28 during a game against of the Georgia Bulldogs at Vanderbilt Stadium on October 19, 2013 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Things have been somewhat of a roller coaster ride for the Vanderbilt Commodores since winning the BBVA Compass Bowl in early January.
After going out and getting their top choice at head coach in Derek Mason, things seem to be stabilizing for a program that is looking to remain out of the SEC cellar.
There are several reasons why the Commodores are in good shape to have another successful season even with James Franklin no longer running the show.
Perhaps the biggest thing the Commodores have going for them is their 2014 schedule, which includes eight home games. Their schedule will be their best friend as Mason begins to shape this program into his own.
The Commodores could very easily end up winning their first three games at home, with South Carolina coming in for a September 20 meeting in Nashville. The fact that the Commodores have their first four games at home is huge for their confidence.
The back end of the schedule also offers a lot of opportunities to string together some wins, including a very weak non-conference schedule.
8/28
TEMPLE
9/6
OLE MISS
9/13
UMASS
9/20
SOUTH CAROLINA
9/27
@ Kentucky
10/4
@ Georgia
10/11
CHARLESTON SOUTHERN
10/25
@ Missouri
11/1
OLD DOMINION
11/8
FLORIDA
11/22
@ Mississippi State
11/29
TENNESSEE
Immediately after Franklin departed for Penn State, the Commodore recruiting class began to fall apart. Slowly but surely, Mason is rebuilding that recruiting class to be respectable as signing day unfolds.
The latest big commitments are safety Emmanuel Smith and defensive end Nifae Lealao, putting the Commodores right back into strong territory with their recruiting class.
Mason is clearly looking to build a gritty defense like the ones he coached with Stanford.
They also have running back prospect Dallas Rivers officially signed, and he's rated as a 3-star prospect by 247Sports.com. Rivers is expected to compete for significant playing time in his first season, and he will help this Commodore rushing attack continue to be a formidable one.
Nifae Lealao
4-Star
DE
Sacramento, CA
Emmanuel Smith
4-Star
S
Murfreesboro, TN
Dallas Rivers
3-Star
RB/ATH
Stone Mountain, GA
Trent Sherfield
3-Star
S
Danville, IL
Cole Hardin
3-Star
OT
Florence, AL
The Commodores have also jumped up 35 spots in the recruiting rankings, according to 247Sports.com, since the initial plunge when Franklin left. It may not be where the Commodores would've been if Franklin had stayed, but it does show that this program's future success isn't tied solely to Franklin.
Finally, everyone has to remember that Franklin left this program in great shape to remain successful. After you drop the bitterness, you realize he gave this program a foundation that is now going to be carried on by another rising star in Mason.
All it will take is another respectable season for Franklin to be quickly forgotten and for Mason to keep building this program up.
Realistically, the Commodores are still a few seasons away from competing for an SEC East title. With that said, there's no reason to think that Mason can't continue what Franklin has built.
Nifae Lealao Commits to Vanderbilt: 'Dores Land 4-Star Ex-Stanford Recruit
Feb 5, 2014
Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Derek Mason didn't have much time to build his class before national signing day, but he still opened a big prize on college football's recruiting Christmas.
Former Stanford commit and 247Sports Composite 4-star defensive end Nifae Lealao will follow Mason to Nashville, as reported by Joe Davidson of the Sacramento Bee:
Sacramento native Lealao is the No. 6 strong-side defensive end in the composite rankings. He committed to the Cardinal in September before decommitting in late January. He took one final visit to Vandy over the weekend of Jan. 31.
In addition to offers from Stanford and Vanderbilt, the 6'5", 282-pound defender also claimed offers from Arizona State, Oregon, UCLA, Wisconsin and others.
He joins safety Emmanuel Smith as the second composite 4-star in the Commodores' 2014 class. Barring any other late additions, Lealao will be the highest-rated member of this Vandy class.
SEC Sports Talk credits Lealao as the highest-rated signee in Vanderbilt history.
The loss isn't too crippling for Stanford. The Cardinal added 5-star strong-side defensive end Solomon Thomas earlier on signing day.
Lealao and Thomas were both US Army All-Americans. According to his 247Sports profile, Lealao tallied 181 tackles, 43 tackles for a loss and 8.5 sacks in his 2011 and 2012 seasons. He also forced and recovered three fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown while also blocking nine kicks.
With excellent athletic ability and size, Lealao is just the type of prospect Mason will need to keep the 'Dores competitive in the SEC.
Will New Vanderbilt Head Coach Derek Mason Keep 'Dores Competitive in the SEC?
Jan 17, 2014
After a week of searching, Vanderbilt finally has its man.
Stanford defensive coordinator Derek Mason has officially been announced as James Franklin's successor as the head coach of the Commodores, the school announced on Friday.
“I am so excited to be at Vanderbilt,” Mason said in a release. “This university combines the best of what’s good about college athletics and academics. We expect to be competitive and look forward to competing for an SEC East crown.”
Mason spent the last four seasons on the Stanford staff—the last three of which were as co-defensive coordinator and associate head coach. The Cardinal finished either first or second in the Pac-12 in total defense in each of Mason's four years on staff and in the top 20 nationally in each of the last two seasons.
"It was evident that the football world is aware of the tremendous progress our program has made and that was reflected by the deep pool of talent that showed an interest in our position,” director of athletics David Williams said. “We talked to outside experts and did our own evaluations and the person that always seemed to be in the spotlight was the same person that was at the top of our list and that was Derek Mason."
So is Mason the right man for the job, and can he keep the Commodores competitive in the SEC?
It's going to be an uphill battle.
Mason will have to deal with issues at Vanderbilt that are familiar to him. He is coming from an institution in Stanford that faces similar academic standards to his new school and also the expectation of keeping the program at its current level of success.
Dec 27, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive coordinator Derek Mason at press conference for the 2013 Rose Bowl at the L.A. Hotel Downtown. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
While it's going to be a familiar situation to Mason, it's foreign to Vanderbilt.
Franklin changed the culture of Vanderbilt football. No longer is it the doormat of the SEC. It's a competitive program that has gone to three straight bowl games and posted back-to-back nine-win seasons. This was while playing with a talent gap when compared to the rest of the SEC East.
Closing that gap as much as possible is job No. 1 for Mason.
The Commodores' recruiting class has plummeted from the top 25 all the way to 67th in the latest 247Sports.com team rankings. He doesn't exactly have to get back in the top 25, but salvaging that class with some key signees on national signing day is critical to the health of the program.
On the field, there are still some weapons.
Patton Robinette looked like a legit dual-threat weapon in limited action in 2013, throwing for 642 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 214 yards and seven scores. Toss in running backs Jerron Seymour and Brian Kimbrow, and Vandy has the potential to do some things on offense.
Defensively, the 'Dores lost defensive backs Andre Hal, Kenny Ladler and Javon Marshall, as well as defensive end Walker May and linebacker Karl Butler. That's a lot of holes for Mason to fill in his first season in Nashville.
A transition year is difficult for any program, and for a program like Vanderbilt, that doesn't have that steady pipeline of top-tier talent to fall back on, it only will become more pronounced.
Expect a step back from the Commodores in 2014 as Mason gets acquainted with his new program but it may not be a permanent one.
Derek Mason is reportedly leaving his post as associate head coach and defensive coordinator of Stanford to become the head coach at Vanderbilt.
The Tennessean's Jeff Lockridge provided news of Mason's decision to take over the Commodores:
Lockridge also supplies Mason's thoughts on his new job:
“Who’s not going to say yes?” Mason said. “I think it’s a great opportunity to be in a place that does it right. James Franklin did a wonderful job of putting this program on the map. He made it relevant. That debt of gratitude is definitely owed to him.
“I saw it when Jim Harbaugh did the same thing (at Stanford). You like guys like that for their vision, for their work, you see great things and then from there, you just look at what the program is. (Vanderbilt) is a program steeped in the right temperament, the right accruement for success.
“It plays in one of the best football conferences in the country, the SEC, and I think when you put those two together between the academics and the football accruement, I think it can be a winning combination.”
Mason told reporters on Saturday that he planned on staying with the Commodores for a while, according to Teresa Walker of the Associated press:
"Derek Mason is the leader we trust to continue the challenging but exciting work that has elevated the Vanderbilt football program to unprecedented heights," Zeppos said. "He embodies integrity, strategic thinking and a demonstrated commitment to success. He understands the important role that athletics plays in the life of a vibrant university, and that outstanding scholarly pursuits and top-notch sports are integral parts of the Vanderbilt experience. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Vanderbilt community."
"We are very pleased with our search. It was evident that the football world is aware of the tremendous progress our program has made and that was reflected by the deep pool of talent that showed an interest in our position," Williams said. "We talked to outside experts and did our own evaluations and the person that always seemed to be in the spotlight was the same person that was at the top of our list and that was Derek Mason.
"We are so excited to be introducing him as our head football coach because we are confident he can build upon our successes on and off the field and that he will take us to the next level. Derek will be an asset to our university," Williams added.
Mason, 44, certainly paid his dues to reach this point. His coaching career started two decades ago at San Diego Mesa College, where he was the wide receivers coach. He also coached at Weber State, Idaho State, Bucknell, Utah, St. Mary's, New Mexico State, Ohio and with the Minnesota Vikings, never as a full-time head coach.
The Athens Messenger's Jason Arkley reports that Mason has started filling out his staff:
Mason has been at Stanford since 2010, getting promoted to his role of associate head coach and defensive coordinator in 2011.
The news comes after Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports reported that Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton opted to remove his name from consideration:
Although Mason doesn't have experience leading a program, his background is impressive.
He thrived as defensive coordinator with Stanford, as the unit ranked 10th in the country in points allowed this past season. Perhaps his best work came in slowing down the high-flying Oregon attack, giving up just 34 points to the Ducks over the past two seasons.
Mason takes over a Vanderbilt squad that went 9-4 during the 2013 campaign (4-4 SEC). The Commodores also won their bowl game, a 41-24 triumph over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl.
The success was enough for James Franklin to generate widespread interest before he eventually accepted an offer to become the new head coach at Penn State.
His exit opened up an opportunity for Mason, who apparently impressed the Vandy brass enough to believe he can keep the program moving in the right direction.
The biggest task he faces is finding a way to help the Commodores become consistent contenders in the SEC. It's a tough task, with the likes of Alabama, Auburn, LSU and South Carolina among the top programs battling it out on the field and the recruiting trail every year.
Franklin laid a strong foundation, though. Vanderbilt is certainly a far more attractive job than it was a handful of years ago, and Mason must keep building off that positive momentum in order to become another force out of the nation's top football conference.
The hire certainly comes with some risk since Mason finds himself in uncharted territory on a personal level. But that's outweighed by the upside of a coach who's enjoyed plenty of success at Stanford and elsewhere and appears ready to lead a program.
