WACO, TX – NOVEMBER 22: Shawn Oakman #2 of the Baylor Bears during play against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at McLane Stadium on November 22, 2014 in Waco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Former Baylor player Shawn Oakman is closing in on the start of his trial for sexual assault and now has to scramble to find a lawyer to defend him.

Last week, attorneys Russ Hunt and Michelle Tuegel filed a motion to withdraw from the case. Although each declined to comment to the Waco Tribune-Herald, a district judge confirmed the two lawyers have asked to be removed from the case because Oakman has not yet paid his legal representation.

So, what happens next? Oakman isn’t scheduled to go to trial until August 22, so there is time for another lawyer (or lawyers) to hop on Oakman as a client if they so choose. But those lawyers do need time to prepare for the trial. The judge told the Waco paper he was likely to consider a hearing for Oakman to review his options about seeking a new legal team. If Oakman declines to hire his own lawyer, he will be given the option to accept a court-appointed lawyer, which the county would be required to pay for.

At this time, Oakman says he is unsure of what his legal representation looks like, suggesting there is quite a mess to sort through before being able to focus on a court case.

The more likely option here is the trial will ultimately be pushed back to a later date to allow a new legal team to build a strategy to defend Oakman in the sexual assault case. Oakman was indicted on one count of sexual assault of a Baylor student from an incident back in April 2016, which ignited the widespread scandal at Baylor under former head coach Art Briles.

So the story will likely be dragging out just a little longer. That means the alleged victim will have to wait even longer for resolution in the courts. Oakman remains free on a bond of $50,000.

[Waco Tribune-Herald]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.