But in the ruling, Caldwell also turned aside Scott's claims of malicious prosecution and that police violated his civil rights.
"The Penn State defendants argue there is no conspiracy claim because plaintiff has presented no evidence that they agreed among themselves and [the woman] to unlawfully prosecute Scott, nor any evidence of any wrongful act. We agree," Caldwell wrote in his 31-page ruling.
The ruling appears to finally bring an end to the nearly 4-year drama surrounding Penn State, Scott and his once-promising football career. He set state scholastic records for most single-season rushing yards (3,853) and touchdowns (53) at Parkland High School in Allentown and was a heralded running back when he arrived in Happy Valley in 2003.
But his collegiate career was hindered by injuries and lesser off-field issues. Scott ran for 302 yards and six touchdowns on 69 carries in five games in 2007 before being suspended by coach Joe Paterno for violating team rules and never played for the Nittany Lions again.
Scott, through his attorney, had claimed his aspirations to play in the NFL were damaged after the rape charge was filed. He signed as a free agent with the Cleveland Browns in May 2008 but was waived 5 months later.
He now plays for the North East Pennsylvania Miners, a semi-professional, minor league football team based in Scranton.
In other Penn State legal news:
* Former Nittany Lions basketball guard Taran Buie is due in court today on misdemeanor charges of theft, criminal mischief and receiving stolen property. Court documents show the case is related to two cellphones. Authorities say Buie took a smartphone from a campus party in February and failed to turn over to police another phone he found in a taxi. Police filed charges last month.
Buie was suspended in December for violating team rules and did not play again. He left Penn State in April and orally committed to transfer to Hofstra.
A Hofstra spokesman said the team couldn't comment because Buie wasn't considered a commitment.
