Michigan State's Adreian Payne released following ESPN story

Jefferson High School graduate and former Michigan State basketball star Adreian Payne was waived by the NBA’s Orlando Magic late Friday, following an ESPN report claiming Payne and another player were involved in a sex assault allegation the university and local authorities mishandled.

This was part of a larger story on Michigan State in the wake of former Michigan State and USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar’s sentencing to 40-175 years in prison for sexually assaulting more than 150 girls. Payne, who played at the school from 2010-14, and former Spartans teammate Keith Appling were not charged in the case.

A Magic spokesman told the Orlando Sentinel the team doesn’t comment on decisions to waive players.

Magic coach Frank Vogel told the Sentinel on Saturday morning, “We wish him well, but I don’t really have anything to add to the fact that we waived him.”

Payne, a former first-round draft pick, has played in five games for Orlando. He played Friday night in Canton for Orlando’s G-League team against the Canton Charge.

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