Apr 7, 2007 9:03 am US/Central
(WCCO) Minneapolis Saturday was supposed to be an exciting day for Gopher football players, their Spring finale at the Dome, but Friday night, a dark cloud hung over the team.
Police arrested three players Friday afternoon. They were in custody, accused of sexual assault.
According to the University of Minnesota, they are Alex Daniels, Keith Massey and E.J. Jones.
Daniels and Massey are 20 years old. Jones is 19. A university spokesman said all three are sophomores, but Daniels is listed on the roster as a junior. It appeared they had not been charged with any crime as of Friday night, but they remained in police custody.
"Three young guys have been suspended from the football team due to rules violations. These young guys, it's very, very disappointing to me, but we're going to support these guys and we'll see where it goes," said Gopher football coach Tim Brewster.
Brewster wouldn't say anything more, except that the department is cooperating with the investigation.
"Overnight one of the University Officers was flagged down by a young woman who wanted to make a report that she'd been sexually assaulted," said U of M Police Chief Greg Hestness.
According to the police report, it happened Wednesday. Police said it happened at University Village Apartments.
Police served search warrants Friday afternoon and then took the three men into custody. On Friday it wasn't clear what role each was accused of playing and it also wasn't clear if the woman knew the men before the incident happened.
"We took the victim's initial report and followed up with statements with her and other witness and it still seems pretty credible. I mean there's no rush to judgment here. Obviously they have presumption of innocence and the right to respond, but so far the case seems credible," said Hestness.
The woman did go for a sexual assault exam, known as a rape kit, and police hope that might provide some evidence.
Police said the alleged act fits first-degree criminal sexual conduct. That usually requires penetration and is usually accompanied by threats, force or accomplices.
Police are interviewing witnesses and trying to figure out what role each is accused of playing in the incident.
Three players for the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers football team have been arrested following a rape allegation. The three players have been identified as defensive end Alex Daniels, cornerback Keith Massey, and running back E.J. Jones, all sophomores. They are in custody at the Hennepin County Jail pending charges. Bail has been set at $100,000 for each player.

The three are accused of raping an 18-year old woman at the University Village Apartments, where the accused players live. "Overnight one of the University Officers was flagged down by a young woman who wanted to make a report that she'd been sexually assaulted," said University Police Chief Greg Hestness. Hestness did not disclose further details of the allegations, though he stated the players "were booked on criminal sexual conduct in the third degree. And that usually does involve penetration, non-consensual penetration." Once an investigation is complete, the case will be presented to the Hennepin County attorney for possible charges.

Following Saturday's spring scrimmage at the Metrodome, new coach Tim Brewster said "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." The players have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, and did not participate in the annual intrasquad game.

Gophers athletic director Joel Maturi said "We will let the process take its course and then do the appropriate thing. But I'm not ready to abandon these kids. It's our responsibility to stand by them and their families."