2 Temple football players eyed in rape of student

Two freshmen Temple football players are under investigation for allegedly raping an 18-year-old female dormmate last weekend, according to police and sources.

Police Special Victims Unit Capt. John Darby also confirmed at a news conference yesterday that Temple police had informed city police that a second alleged rape involving students had ocurred on Nov. 11.

Calling the case involving the football players an "acquaintance situation," Darby said the female student reported being raped early Saturday by two male students she knew in a dorm on Cecil B. Moore Avenue near 13th Street.

Darby said the victim and the suspects were at headquarters of the Special Victims Unit on Saturday for questioning, he said. "It's very much under control," Darby said. "We have all the parties, they have been identified and we're working with Temple officials."

No charges have been filed, and police have declined to identify the suspects except to say they are Temple students. A source confirmed that they are freshman football players.

Temple spokesman Ray Betzner confirmed a report of a sexual assault in a residence hall but declined to comment further.

"The university takes it very seriously," Temple football coach Al Golden said after the Owls' 23-3 loss to Miami of Ohio last night. "It's in the hands of the Philadelphia police authority now. I really can't say much more."

In the second case, Darby said a 21-year-old woman alleged that she was raped Nov. 11 at an off-campus apartment on Norris Street near 16th.

Darby said the woman didn't report the incident to Temple police until Nov. 18, and that when she did, she asked that city police not be notified.

Darby declined to say if one or both of the individuals questioned in last weekend's case may be linked to the earlier case, but he did say it was also an acquaintance situation.

Daily News contributor Jason Williams contributed to this report.