Fanning charged with sexual assault

Eastern Washington University football player Christian Fanning was released on his own recognizance after a first appearance Wednesday in Spokane County Superior Court on a charge of second-degree sexual assault.

Fanning, a freshman place-kicker from San Diego, was arrested early Wednesday morning by campus police on charges stemming from an incident Tuesday at Dressler Hall dormitory on the EWU campus.

Fanning, 19, has been suspended as a student and has been banned from setting foot on campus. Judge Gregory Sypolt issued a sexual assault protection order to prevent Fanning from having any further contact with the alleged victim, who also is an Eastern student.

Spokane County Deputy prosecuting attorney Eugene Cruz said his office agreed with Fanning’s release because Fanning, 19, has no criminal history and has been banned from campus.

Sypolt said Fanning will be allowed to live with his parents in San Diego.

Fanning’s arraignment has not yet been scheduled.

University and athletic department officials had no comment on the matter.