Gophers Football Players Released

University of Minnesota Golden Gopher Football Players were under a bit of a cloud on Friday night. The Gopher players should have been flying high with a big Gopher Nation scrimmage coming up on Saturday, but the team was feeling down after 3 of their own were accused of sexual misconduct.

Alex Daniels, 20, Keith Massey, 20, and E.J. Jones, 19, were arrested Friday after University police said an 18-year-old woman reported being sexually assaulted at the University Village apartment complex where two of the players live. The University Police received the complaint Friday morning and began “an aggressive investigation.” Head Football Coach Tim Brewster was informed late Friday afternoon and immediately suspended the three players until the investigation is complete.

The players were held over the weekend at the Hennepin County jail. Authorities had until noon today to either charge the players, seek an extension to hold them without charges or release them. Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced today that the three University of Minnesota football players are being released as authorities continue to investigate the matter.
Freeman said his office had "insufficient evidence" to charge the players. "We have concluded that additional investigation is necessary to determine whether charges should be sought," Freeman said. There has been no talk as to if or when the three will be reinstated with the Gopher Football squad.

Gopher Girl hopes this issue will be taken care of quickly and fairly. If the men assaulted the girl, I hope their punishment is swift and harsh, but if they didn’t, I hope Tim Brewster and Gopher fans are reasonable and supportive. Gopher Girl just has to worry about the timing of the charges. If the assault happened last week, then why did the victim wait until the day before the big game to come forward? Gopher Girl also hopes the events surrounding these three players will send a strong message to the other Gopher Athletes to watch who you hang out with and what you do – don’t mess around. Come on Gopher players, it’s time to walk the line!!!!!