Charges Stood Down: Three Former UBC Thunderbirds Football Players No Longer Facing Sexual Assault Trial

On a quiet evening in late January, the British Columbia Crown Prosecutor’s Office announced that the sexual‑assault charges brought against three former University of British Columbia Thunderbirds football players would be stayed. In plain language, that means the case is effectively put on pause – the Crown has decided not to move forward with a prosecution at this time.

The charges dated back to a 2018 incident that allegedly took place on the university’s campus. A woman reported that she had been sexually assaulted by the three players after a night out. Police investigations led to the filing of charges, and the matter has lingered in the courts for several years.

One of the accused, Treymont Levy, now 28, was highlighted in a video that resurfaced from his playing days with the Thunderbirds. Levy, along with two teammates whose names have not been publicly released, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

“After a thorough review of the evidence and the public interest in proceeding, the Crown has chosen to stay the charges,” the prosecutor’s statement read. The announcement did not provide detailed reasoning, a common practice in stayed cases, which can arise from insufficient evidence, witness issues, or other prosecutorial considerations.

UBC’s administration released a brief comment noting that the university remains committed to supporting all students and staff, and that it continues to provide resources for survivors of sexual violence. The campus safety office said it would keep monitoring the situation and ensure that any future concerns are addressed promptly.

Legal experts point out that a stay is not the same as an acquittal; the Crown could, in theory, reactivate the charges if new evidence emerges. For the three men involved, however, the immediate effect is that they will no longer face a criminal trial on these allegations.

Reactions on social media have been mixed. Some former teammates expressed relief, while advocacy groups reminded the public that staying charges does not erase the experiences of the alleged victim. “We hope this decision does not silence the conversation about campus safety,” one activist wrote.

The case underscores the complexities of prosecuting sexual‑assault allegations, especially those that surface years after the alleged event. As the university community processes this development, many are calling for continued dialogue around prevention, support services, and transparent handling of such reports.