Battery charges dismissed against Kansas’ Carlton Bragg. His girlfriend was charged instead

Battery charges against Kansas’ Carlton Bragg have been dismissed, the Douglas County District Attorney announced Wednesday.

Bragg was arrested for battery last Thursday night, according to the Kansas City Star, after he reportedly hit his girlfriend and pushed her down the stairs at a party. The sophomore pleaded not guilty and argued self defense.

“This has been a difficult and humiliating experience for me, and I’m glad it’s over,” Bragg said in a statement released by KU. “I appreciate the authorities taking the time to get this right. I also appreciate the support of my teammates and coaches, and I’m glad I can put this behind me and move forward.”

The D.A. announced a surveillance video of the event that depicted a female “shoving and slapping the male in the chest numerous times and placing her hands near the neck on at least two occasions.”

The male on tape was seen forcefully shoving the female away from him causing her to “fall backwards up the ascending stairs behind her.”

A one-count complaint of battery was charged to the female.

Kansas coach Bill Self has lifted Bragg’s indefinite suspension, allowing him to return to competition.

“I’m proud of the way Carlton has handled this situation, considering all the negative publicity he has received both locally and nationally,” Self said in a statement. “He knew all the facts and knew that he needed to refrain from comment while the investigation took place. As we have said since this incident occurred, it was important for us to take this issue seriously and to allow the process to play out.

“We’re glad this situation is resolved.”

A McDonald’s All-American out of high school, Bragg started the first five games of the year for the Jayhawks before being replaced by freshman Udoka Azubuike. On the season, Bragg is averaging 7.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during Kansas’ 9-1 start.