MINNEAPOLIS — Two University of Minnesota wrestlers have been taken into custody on probable cause for criminal sexual conduct Saturday night by Minneapolis police.
A statement from the U of M Athletic Department confirms the two men arrested are student athletes. Interviews with one of the men's parents and an attorney identified them as members of the university’s wrestling team.
(Editors note: KARE originally reported that the U of M confirmed the men were wrestlers. The U did not share that information, it came from other sources.)
KARE 11 is not naming the two men because they have not been charged.
Attorney Christa Groshek, who represents one of the men, says her client denies the accusation and has been cooperating with police.
"My client has cooperated with the investigation and he's made statements to law enforcement. And he did that because he didn't think he had anything to hide," Groshek said. "My client knows that he didn't do anything like that, he hasn't done anything wrong."
The two student-athletes were booked into the Hennepin County Adult Detention Center between 9:30 p.m. and midnight Saturday, according to police.
The father of one of the students tells KARE 11 that he has spoken to his son and hopes no charges will be filed.
A statement to KARE 11 from the U of M Athletic Department says, “We are aware of a situation involving two of our student athletes and are in the process of gathering more information. These students have been suspended from all team activity pending further information. Federal and state law precludes any further details at this time.”
"All I would stress is my client denies the allegations. The investigation is on-going and we don't even know if charges will issue. Charges may be declined," Groshek said.
Police said the case remains open and is an active investigation.