Univ. of Iowa says warrants issued for former players

5/27/2008 3:22 PM

By MICHAEL J. CRUMB
Associated Press Writer

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) -Two former Iowa football players are accused of sexually assaulting a woman on campus last year, and university police have issued warrants for their arrests.

Cedric Everson III and Abeberell ``Abe'' Satterfield, both former defensive backs, are accused of second degree sexual abuse, the school said in a statement Tuesday. Satterfield also is accused of third degree sexual abuse.

The school said the alleged assault happened Oct. 14, 2007, at a dormitory. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement that the players left the program soon after.

``This situation has always been serious and significant. I am concerned for everyone involved,'' he said. ``Because this is still a legal matter and the information is sensitive, I cannot discuss the specifics of those conversations at this time.''

Everson appeared in five games last season for Iowa, assisting on one tackle. Satterfield did not appear in a game.

Johnson County prosecutor Janet Lyness said she has been in contact with attorneys for Everson and Satterfield and expects them to turn themselves in soon.

Second-degree sexual abuse carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison. Third-degree sexual abuse carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.

A criminal investigation was launched in November and the case raised questions over the university's handling of the investigation and a judge's order, at the request of prosecutors, to seal documents related to the inquiry.

The Iowa City Press-Citizen newspaper filed a lawsuit in January seeking access to records in the university's investigation. Earlier this month, the newspaper filed a motion asking a judge to force the university to release an index of documents being withheld in the investigation.

``This has been a difficult situation for everyone involved. From the day we learned about the incident, I have been deeply concerned and we have taken it seriously,'' athletic director Gary Barta said in a statement. ``Our first concern was for the young woman.''

He said his staff has followed university procedures and protocol, and that last fall the case was ``turned over to the proper authorities in full cooperation of the legal process.''

``I look forward to being able to explain the handling of this matter more completely in the near future,'' he said.