An investigation was launched after a female mid alleged the football players claimed to have sex with her while she was intoxicated, said her attorney Susan Burke in a statement. No date for the Article 32 hearing has been set.
Naval Academy spokesman Cmdr. John Schofield said the investigation was completed and reviewed by Naval Academy Superintendent Michael H. Miller. Miller has decided to send the case to Article 32 proceedings.
An Article 32 is not a trial, but a hearing directed by the superintendent to consider the appropriate disposition of charges brought against a military member. It can lead to a court-martial, where those charged can be punished.
The alleged assault occurred in April 2012 at a house in Annapolis, Burke said. The alleged victim woke up after a night of heavy drinking and later learned from friends and social media that three football players claimed to have had sex with her while she was intoxicated, Burke’s statement said.
Burke said her client reported the allegations to Navy criminal investigators. The athletes were permitted to continue playing football pending the outcome of the investigation.
Sources said all of the individuals being investigated were members of the football team during the 2012 season. One is due to be a member of the team during the 2013 season.
But one, who is entering his junior year, left the team shortly after spring practice this year. Another, sources say, was a starter who was due to graduate in May. His graduation has since been put on hold due to the allegations.
