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Missouri's Terrence Phillips accused by four women

"The university takes alleged violations of Title IX very seriously, and any allegations are investigated thoroughly and fairly.
Jan 20, 2018; College Station, TX, USA; Missouri Tigers guard Terrence Phillips (1) warms up before the game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: C. Morgan Engel-USA TODAY Sports

The Title IX investigation into suspended Missouri men's basketball player Terrence Phillips includes allegations from at least four women.

The complaints range from harassment and physical abuse to the filming of sexual encounters without consent, according to a story in the Kansas City Star on Wednesday.

Three of the women — all students at the university — have filed complaints with the school, confirmed by The Star. Two came forward this week, after Phillips' suspension last Friday. One student filed a complaint last week. And the other known accuser filed her complaint earlier, which prompted the investigation.

Phillips told The Star he was cooperating with the Title IX investigation.

“There are two sides to every story,” Phillips said. “Some people really want to say ‘Me too’ because apparently it’s the cool thing to do. I have a side. I am cooperating with Mizzou like I was instructed. Unfortunately I can’t say a lot, but at the end of the investigation, I intend to be cleared from the accusations. People who know me know this isn’t me.”

The reason for Phillips' indefinite suspension Friday was given as a violation of team rules. The Title IX investigation is independent of any law-enforcement investigation and is required by federal law.

In a statement issued Sunday, Missouri said it “cannot confirm or deny any actions from the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX.”

“We want to reiterate that the safety of our students, faculty and staff is paramount,” the statement continued. “The university takes alleged violations of Title IX very seriously, and any allegations are investigated thoroughly and fairly. In some cases, interim measures are taken while an investigation is pending.”

Among Phillips' off-court activities during his time at the school include working as a bartender, conducting a holiday toy drive for his charity and supporting It's On Us, a group that works to end sexual assault.

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