Texas Players Said to Be Part of Police Investigation

At least two starting players for the Texas football team are under investigation by Austin police for separate cases of robbery and assault, according to athletic department officials, though no charges have been filed and the university does not plan disciplinary action.

An official statement from the Austin Police Department said that “information obtained indicates that the individuals being investigated in these incidents are involved in the UT athletic program.”

Texas cornerback Cedric Griffin has talked with police, a lawyer advising the player said Friday night, according to the Associated Press. The lawyer, Ken Oden, said the discussion was about a “trash-talking” incident on Dec. 10.

Texas Athletic Director DeLoss Dodds, in a statement, said the university was “surprised” by the allegations and that athletic department officials had “followed up on the rumors” and spoken with “two student-athletes who are alleged to be under investigation.”

“Based upon what we know at this time, we have no reason to believe that the university or the athletics department need to take any action. We will continue to monitor the matter and we will cooperate fully with those who are conducting the investigation.”

Police are investigating an aggravated assault and a robbery by assault, the statement said, on Dec. 10 and Sept. 4.

A police report said that the Dec. 10 incident occurred at 2:50 a.m. near the Sixth Street entertainment district, and it involved a suspect using his hands, fist or feet to assault a victim.

The Sept. 4 incident, according to the report, occurred at 3:06 a.m. at an undisclosed location and involved an automatic handgun.

Texas is ranked second in the nation and is scheduled to play top-ranked USC on Jan. 4 in the Rose Bowl with the national championship at stake.