ST. LOUIS _ Four St. Louis University basketball players are accused of sexual assault, but their lawyers say the investigation is "noncriminal" and the players are innocent.
Three women reported sexual assaults by St. Louis University student-athletes early Sunday, police said. The women _ two of whom are students at the university _ went to a St. Louis hospital about 2:30 a.m. Sunday, less than two hours after the alleged assaults occurred.
The women said the incidents happened at an on-campus apartment in the first block of North Grand Boulevard.
Attorney John Rogers said Thursday he is representing one of the basketball players and that St. Louis police have told him it is a "noncriminal investigation." A St. Louis police spokeswoman did not immediately confirm whether the nature of the investigation had changed. The police have not released the names of the players under investigation.
"The complaining witnesses have given law enforcement and St. Louis University inconsistent statements, and their credibility needs to be called into question during the Title IX investigation," Rogers said. "I have every belief this student athlete will be exonerated at the conclusion of the Title IX investigation."
He continued: "I'd be shocked if charges are pursued by the Circuit Attorney's Office."
Rogers said there was no crime and no allegation of anything non-consensual initially reported.
"This information is in contrast to what has been represented to St. Louis University," he said.
Attorney Scott Rosenblum, who is representing three basketball players, said Thursday that no disciplinary actions had been taken against his clients.
"I can't imagine they will be charged," he said. "I don't think there is anything to the case. They are absolutely, completely innocent."
University President Fred Pestello issued a statement Tuesday about the alleged assaults.
"First, I want to say how deeply troubled I am by these allegations, which involve behavior that runs counter to our mission and values," Pestello said in his email. "SLU seeks to foster a safe and supportive atmosphere where students, faculty, clinicians, and staff can flourish in an inclusive environment that is free from harassment and harm. Sexual assault, misconduct and harassment of any kind have no place at our University."
Pestello and police have given few details about the incident.
St. Louis police were called to the hospital and then informed university officials of the allegations. Shortly thereafter, a campuswide notice went out, in accordance with federal law.
The university is working with outside counsel to conduct a formal Title IX investigation.
The Billikens open the regular season Nov. 10 at home against Seattle. Their first official practice is scheduled for Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
