Watch CBS News

Navy Football Players Accused Of Gang Raping A Female Midshipman

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Sex scandal unfolding at the Naval Academy in Annapolis. Three Navy football players are accused of raping a female midshipman.

Monique Griego reports this latest case comes amid a spike in reports of military sex assaults.

This investigation has been going on for more than a year. During that time, the victim had refused to cooperate. Now her lawyer says that's because she felt intimidated.

Three members of the Naval Academy football team are accused of gang-raping a drunken female midshipman. The attack allegedly happened last April at an off-campus party.

"She woke up the next morning still at the football house with her back all bruised," said Susan Burke, victim's attorney.

Attorney Susan Burke says her client later learned what happened from friends and social media.

"Apparently, three football players were claiming that they had sexual intercourse with her as she was intoxicated," Burke said.

According to Burke, when the victim reported it to NCIS, the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, she was reprimanded for drinking, while the players went unpunished and were allowed to play football.

Burke says the victim later declined to be part of the investigation, after one of the players asked her not to cooperate.

The investigation reopened after the victim hired Burke.

Just last week, President Barack Obama was speaking at the Naval Academy graduation. In his speech, he addressed the issue with sexual assaults within the military.

"Those who commit a sexual assault are not only committing a crime, but they threaten the trust and discipline that makes our military strong," the president said.

In a statement to WJZ, a Naval Academy spokesman said they are monitoring the investigation, but:

"It is completely inappropriate to make any other public comment on this investigation or any ongoing investigation, as we risk compromising the military justice process."

One of the accused players was not allowed to graduate at last week's ceremony, pending whether charges are filed against him and the other two players.

This case is now more than a year old and the Navy says it is waiting for a final report from NCIS before deciding what action to take.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.