TV reports claim police investigating Longhorns

AUSTIN, Texas – Texas cornerback Cedric Griffin has talked with police, a lawyer advising the player said Friday night, amid reports authorities are investigating an alleged assault and a robbery they believe might have been committed by Longhorns athletes.

Police would not identify the suspects, say how many are being investigated or if they are members of the second-ranked Longhorns football team, which is scheduled to play top-ranked Southern California in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 4 for the national title.

Three Austin television stations reported the suspects are football players. The school said it had talked to the athletes and did not plan any action against them.

According to police, the incidents were an alleged armed robbery with an automatic handgun on Sept. 4 and assault and attempted robbery on Dec. 10. No charges have been filed.

Ken Oden, a lawyer advising Griffin, said the player has talked with police about a Dec. 10 nonviolent “trash talking” incident.

“I do think the notoriety and celebrity because of the big game coming up may be lending more drama to the situation than the facts would justify,” Oden said.

Griffin is a senior starter for the Longhorns.

Athletic director DeLoss Dodds said the university was surprised police released the allegations and said the school did not plan any action against the athletes.

Although Dodds’ prepared statement said the school has talked to two athletes, it did not identify them or what sport they play.

“We have followed up on the rumors that we are hearing and spoken with the two student-athletes who are alleged to be under investigation,” Dodds said.