A couple of UNC football players are coming to the defense of Allen Artis.

Artis was arrested Wednesday morning for misdemeanor charges of assault and sexual battery.  Delaney Robinson, a UNC student, is claiming that Artis raped her in February.

Jalen Dalton

Jalen Dalton (Photo via UNC Athletics)

Jalen Dalton, a sophomore defensive tackle on the UNC football team, took to Twitter Tuesday night and Wednesday morning to defend his teammate.

In a string of tweets, Dalton wrote, “As a black male, you have to accept the fact that we will always have a target on us.”  He then added, “As a black male, we will always be seen as a “thug” at the end of the day.”

On Wednesday morning, Dalton made it clear that he is defending his teammate, “I stand with Allen Artis.”

Jeremiah Clarke shared an image of himself with Artis on the field with the caption, “my brother.”

UNC football head coach Larry Fedora issued the following statement regarding the allegations Tuesday night:

“We are aware of the misdemeanor charges against Allen Artis.  I cannot comment on either the allegation or the investigative process.  We take these matters very seriously and are fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities.”

Artis has been suspended from the team indefinitely.

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