They should have used another way to express their views to Rasmussen and McDermott, such as “a face-to-face meeting,” the university spokesman said.

Berscheidt said that Watson’s status at Creighton hasn’t changed and that he is no longer enrolled. But he declined to say whether Watson is banned or barred.

He also said he wouldn’t discuss who purchased the ring. It was presented for Watson’s participation on the team before his injury, he said, and for playing an important role in getting the team to the NCAA tourney. Creighton lost in the first round.

Berscheidt said Creighton has shown its commitment to strengthening programs on sexual and relationship misconduct by hiring a full-time investigator within the past couple of years and by hiring a second advocate.

Ward is the associate director of the Creighton Violence Intervention and Prevention Center, and Lierk is the assistant director. They are the two advocates for victims and others.

At the beginning of every school year, Berscheidt said, the school’s Title IX director talks to all student-athletes about sexual violence.