Battery charge against KU’s Thomas Robinson dismissed; victim not interested in prosecution

As part of an agreement, the city prosecutor has dismissed a misdemeanor battery charge against Kansas University basketball player Thomas Robinson.

Robinson was cited after police were called April 10 to The Cave, a Lawrence nightclub that is part of The Oread hotel and condominiums, 1200 Oread Ave. Officers initially said two people were accused of hitting bouncers outside the club. But City Prosecutor Jerry Little said Monday morning that further investigation revealed Robinson spit on a bouncer during the incident.

Robinson, who will be a junior this season, was scheduled to appear in court Monday morning, but Little said he dismissed the case Friday because the victim did not want the prosecution to go forward. Still, Robinson complied with certain conditions in the case, the prosecutor said.

“It’s difficult to proceed without a victim, but I think it was a just resolution based on what the victim desired,” Little said.

He completed 20 hours of community service and agreed to write a letter of apology to the victim. In the letter Robinson said he and the bouncer had an argument that night.

“I hope that you can forgive me for this serious lapse of judgment. I am very embarrassed about my behavior that night,” Robinson wrote. “I now realize that you have a difficult job, and I’m sorry for making it tougher that evening.”

Little also said Monday it appeared other people were involved in the incident, but officers were unable to locate them.