Youngstown State University has agreed to let a football player convicted of rape play again.
After a petition began circulating asking the school to remove Ma'lik Richmond from the football team, the university sent out a statement in August saying he would compete this fall.
RELATED: Petition asks Youngstown State University to remove Steubenville rapist from football team
RELATED: Convicted rapist will not play football for Youngstown State University this fall
Richmond, who was convicted of rape as a teen and served nearly a year in juvenile prison, filed a lawsuit against the school to play football this season.
RELATED: Former Steubenville player convicted of rape sues Youngstown State to play football this season
WKBN reports the university and Richmond have reached an agreement, which includes Richmond's understanding that he is to undergo additional training with respect to issues involving Title IX.
Richmond's lawyer argued that YSU President Jim Tressel could not go against the student handbook and take Richmond off the team after promising he would play, according to the news outlet.
WKBN also said the university argued Coach Bo Pelini could be overruled by the president of the university under Ohio law.
Upon its decision to not let Richmond play this season, the university said it is "fully aware of the gravity of the situation" and "takes the matter of sexual assault very seriously."
YSU released the following statement on Monday regarding the dismissal of the lawsuit:
"This has been a complex situation and will continue to be of interest to our campus community. As we move forward, we are prepared to continue to engage the campus in a review of our policies at it relates to these types of situations, including policies on student participation in athletics and other high-profile university activities. While the settlement agreement may cause concern for some, we believe it is in the best overall interest of the university, students and the community.”
