Officials: 2 U Of M Athletes Suspended, Investigation Underway
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – University of Minnesota officials say two student athletes have been suspended from all team activity pending further investigation.
Two students believed to members of the Gophers wrestling team were arrested Saturday on suspicion of criminal sexual misconduct.
"We are aware of a situation involving two of our student athletes and are in the process of gathering more information," a statement released by the U of M Athletic Department reads. "These students have been suspended from all team activity pending further information. Federal and state law precludes any further details at this time."
The men, ages 19 and 21, were booked into the Hennepin County Jail late Saturday night. Their names and ages match those of two men on the Gophers wrestling roster on the team's website.
"It's possible that if a county attorney reviews this, that they won't charge. Simply because there's been an arrest made does not mean that there's going to be a charge," said Christa Groshek, the attorney representing the 19-year-old in the case.
She said her client cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to do so.
"I can tell you first and foremost that he denies any wrongdoing, that both he and his family are shocked by any kind of allegation of criminal misconduct," Groshek said. "I really caution anyone, including the media, from rushing to judgment."
WCCO went to the listed address for the other student who was arrested, but he was not home.
