BOULDER, Colo. -- Colorado suspended four members of the
football team Saturday for violations that included one player
taking a recruit to a strip club.
The violations were revealed during a mandatory team meeting
regarding a police investigation in neighboring Broomfield of
allegations that the football program hired an escort service for
recruits in 2002 and 2003.
The accusations are the latest against the football program,
under fire for allegedly using sex and alcohol at parties to entice
recruits. The university denies the allegations, but regents have
appointed an independent commission to investigate.
Football coach Gary Barnett said in a statement that players
denied the claims about the escort service, but did admit to other
infractions. Barnett announced that linebacker Chris Hollis,
offensive lineman Brian Daniels, offensive lineman Jack Tipton and
cornerback Sammy Joseph will not play in next season's opener
against Colorado State.
Barnett learned Friday that Hollis took a recruit to an
18-and-over strip club in Boulder. There was no underage drinking
and the recruit returned to his hotel room by 12:30 a.m. in time
for curfew, Barnett said.
The other three players were suspended for conduct that violated
team rules, including one alcohol violation, Barnett said. The
violations were related to recruiting activities, but no other
details were disclosed.
Athletic department spokesman Dave Plati declined to comment on
the suspensions.
The alcohol violation will be referred to the Office of Judicial
Affairs, Barnett said.
"We are pleased that the three players came forth with this new
information and that the coach took swift action," school
president Elizabeth Hoffman and Chancellor Richard Byyny said in a
statement. "We continue to evaluate other information we have
received and will take swift, decisive and appropriate action upon
the receipt of credible information."
Depositions surfaced last week about an off-campus party
attended by football players and recruits in Boulder in December
2001. Three women who say they were raped at or just after the
party sued the school, saying it fostered a hostile environment for
women in violation of federal gender equity laws.
Boulder District Attorney Mary Keenan declined to file rape
charges but said in a deposition she believed sex was used to lure
recruits and athletic officials had ignored her demands to crack
down.
Keenan has appointed investigators to re-examine allegations
stemming from the party.