Rape allegations arise from CU recruit party

BOULDER, Colo. -- Police are investigating a University of Colorado student's allegation that she was gang-raped at a party for football recruits.

CU Police Lt. Michael Irving said Thursday that campus police are working with Boulder police on the investigation, but declined further comment.

No charges have been filed, she said.

The party reportedly was held off-campus Friday and was attended by some CU football players and high-school recruits, The Daily Camera reported Thursday.

"The witness was somewhat reluctant in the beginning but has since decided to pursue charges," Boulder Police Detective Sgt. Kurt Weiler said.

Football coach Gary Barnett and CU Chancellor Richard Byyny said in separate news conferences Thursday afternoon that the allegations were being investigated and appropriate action will be taken.

"We're conducting an internal investigation," Barnett said. "Once the processes are over with, we'll do the appropriate thing."

Byyny said he didn't know all the details of the allegations. "What I can tell you is that our campus does not permit or condone underage drinking or sexual assault, certainly, or any sexual misconduct," he said.

The investigation is under way as the CU football team, No. 3 in the Bowl Championship Series, prepares for the Fiesta Bowl Jan. 1 in Tempe, Ariz. They play Oregon (No. 2, BCS).

"There's no way the alleged actions of a handful of people should be used to judge the kind of players and the kind of character this team has," Barnett said. "It would be very unfair to do that."