Villanova Expels 3 Football Players Involved In Alleged Sex Assault Investigation

Thursday, July 26th 2007, 11:08 am

By: News On 6

VILLANOVA, Pa. (AP) -- Police are investigating the alleged sexual assault of a Villanova University student, a situation that prompted the school to expel three incoming freshman football players involved in the incident.

The alleged sexual assault occurred on campus July 14 and was reported to Villanova's public safety department the next day, university officials said Wednesday.

The three players were enrolled for one summer class and knew the woman who reported the assault, university spokeswoman Liz Kennedy Walsh said.

"It was a report of forcible rape," she said.

University officials said Wednesday the woman had, at least initially, decided not to go to the police.

On Thursday, the university and Radnor Township police confirmed the woman had subsequently contacted police.

In a written statement, police Supt. John Rutty would say only that his department "is investigating an alleged sexual assault at Villanova University."

Last Friday, the three players were asked to leave campus, and after an investigation, the university decided to rescind their admission.

Andy Talley, Villanova's coach since 1985, said the players had been on campus for about two weeks and had been working out with the team.