Apr 8, 2007 9:36 am US/Central
Sex Assault Allegations Cloud Spring Football Game
by Maya Nishikawa
Minneapolis (WCCO) ―
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Enthusiasm for Gopher football was high on the afternoon of the annual spring game, with a new coach and season ahead. But serious accusations off the field also grabbed attention.
AP
Saturday was supposed to be a day of celebration for Gophers football coach Tim Brewster. It was supposed to be a chance to show off his team in a spring game at the Dome, but three of his players remain in jail, accused of sexual assault.
Alex Daniels, Keith Massey and E.J. Jones are in jail and have been suspended from the team. An investigation will provide more information about the reported sexual assault.
Enthusiasm for Gopher football was high on the afternoon of the annual spring game, with a new coach and season ahead, but serious accusations off the field also grabbed attention.
"I feel bad for the coach. He's done everything right. It's very unfortunate," said Tom King, a former Gopher player attending the game.
University Police arrested Daniels, Massey and Jones Friday at University Village. Police say it's where the players live and where the alleged assault took place Wednesday morning. The 18-year-old woman who reported being sexually assaulted is not a University of Minnesota student. Police say she did know the accused players.
"We have good cooperation from witnesses. What we've heard so far is corroborative of the victim's initial report," said Greg Hestness, chief of University Police.
Head coach Tim Brewster tried to remain positive after Saturday's scrimmage. "Obviously it's a disappointing situation that's been presented to me. There's an investigation that's ongoing that we're going to cooperate fully with. And we're going to support these three men, absolutely," said Brewster. The coach did not answer any further questions about the arrests.
Fans and alumni are hopeful the accusations will not mar the upcoming season.
"I thought it even more important to come today," said Jean King.
"Definitely shocked, a little bit upset, but hopefully more information will come out about it," added Crystal Archer, another alumnus.
"I think sometimes they get unfairly pressured. People leap to judgment. But on the other hand if they did do something wrong they've got to be be treated like anybody else. And if they did what they're alleged to have done, they shouldn't be on the team," said Tom King.
The accused players may be charged on Monday. They're being held on probable cause of criminal sexual conduct in the third degree.
Bail has been set at $100,000 for each of the players. The county attorney has until Monday at noon to either charge the men or let them go. If they're released Monday, they could still be charged at a later time.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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