Three Hawkeye Players Questioned About Alleged Sexual Assault

By Claire Kellett, Anchor/Reporter

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Nov 14, 2007 at 2:29 PM CST

Story Updated: Nov 16, 2007 at 11:15 AM CST

IOWA CITY - Three University of Iowa football players are being questioned in connection with an alleged assault in a campus dorm. Campus police are not releasing their names or the alleged victim's identity at this time. The assault happened in the middle of October, but the victim didn't report it to police until last week. On Wednesday, investigators searched the dorm for evidence.

With University of Iowa police as escorts, state criminal investigators walked inside Hillcrest Residence Hall wearing rubber gloves and carrying lab equipment.

“Kind of scary right now, I had no idea," says says UI student Ryan Jennings.

Had no idea three Hawkeye football players are caught in the middle of an alleged sexual assault investigation. Wednesday, investigators brought out bags full of evidence. Students who live here say all afternoon activity was the first sign something happened at their campus home.

“I figured I should have already heard something about it,” says UI student Greg Londgren.

The university didn't notify students. A university spokesman says it's because everyone involved knows one another, and no one else is believed to be in danger.

“There's wasn't a threat from an unknown assailant,” says Steve Parrott of UI Public Relations.

But there is a threat of further damaging the football team's reputation…a reputation plagued with players' publicized legal troubles.

“They try very hard to recruit the right students and try to educate them about these issues, this year has been very different in that regard," says Parrott.

None of the football players being questioned have been arrested or face any charges right now. But the connection to the investigation is enough to disappoint football fans.

“I expect student athletes, I'm a student athlete too, I think we hold them to higher standards," says UI student Vince India.

University Police, Iowa City Police, and the Department of Criminal Investigation are all involved. They will not release the sexual assault report or the search warrant for the dorm because of the ongoing investigation.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz and athletic director Gary Barta released statements expressing concern for the woman's well-being. They also said they were concerned that football players are subjects in the investigation. (See Related Content)

Both said they cannot comment further because it is an open investigation.

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