Two Texas Tech football starters appeared in...

Two Texas Tech football starters appeared in court to face charges of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old Tech student, and school officials said they would delay until next week an announcement about their status with the team.

Defensive back Merv Scurlark and wide receiver Eddy Anderson were free on their own recognizance after pleading not guilty to the charges before L.J. Blalack, Justice of the Peace.

“Athletic department officials have talked with both athletes, who deny the allegations, and talked with their attorney, who believes they are innocent,” Tech athletic director T. Jones said in a statement. “As a result of these discussions, the players have been excused from practice this week so that they can assist their attorney in his investigation.”

Jones said he expects to make an announcement about the players’ status with the team Monday, the day before the Red Raiders depart for Tokyo, where they will play Oklahoma State on Dec. 4.

Lubbock County Criminal District Attorney Travis Ware said the case will be presented to a grand jury on Dec. 5.