The Los Angeles Rams’ strength and conditioning coach Ted Rath has been charged with three counts of misdemeanor sexual battery in Ventura County. This comes in a statement from the Rams organization on Friday, March 15. Rath is pleading not guilty on all counts.
The charges stem from a woman who claims Rath sexually assaulted her in a private residence in Moorpark. Rath was arrested and released on bail January 15, according to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. He did not travel with the team to either the NFC Championship game or the Super Bowl. Injury is the primary reason for missing both games according to the Rams at that time.
The Rams addressed the situation regarding Rath in a statement released by the team to the NFL on Friday:
“We are aware of the charges filed against Ted Rath. We take these allegations very seriously. Once the charges were filed, we decided Ted would take a leave of absence from the team as this matter works its way through the justice system.”
Rath’s attorney, Vicki Podberesky, pleaded not guilty on his behalf Friday morning. Podberesky stated, “We believe that after there has been a full vetting of the facts of this case Mr. Rath will be shown to be not guilty of these charges.” He insists they will go to trial if necessary to prove his innocence.
If convicted all counts, Rath could face up to 18 months in prison and must register as a sex offender. Pretrial is set for Friday, April 19.
SOURCES: NFL, Associated Press
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