An altercation allegedly involving Penn State football players and wrestlers is being investigated by the university.
The off-campus incident is believed to have taken place in the early morning hours of April 13.
"We were informed of an off-campus altercation last weekend involving some student-athletes," said Jeff Nelson, Penn State sports information director.
Penn State wrestling coach Troy Sunderland, reached at his home yesterday, said he was aware of the incident but did not disclose any details about the investigation.
"There was an altercation and we are looking into the details of it," Sunderland said. When asked if he could confirm that the altercation involved members of the football and wrestling teams, Sunderland said, "From what I'm told, yes."
Neither Nelson nor Sunderland would name the individuals involved in the incident.
It is unknown whether disciplinary action will be taken.
"It would be inappropriate to comment further until we have more information on what happened," Nelson said.
Football coaches could not be reached for comment.
The football team is already under scrutiny from another off-field incident. Lions defensive back Anwar Phillips was charged with sexual assault and aggravated indecent assault March 19 for a Nov. 12 incident. Phillips is free on $10,000 unsecured bail and is awaiting a June 9 jury selection.
Penn State football coach Joe Paterno has recently waited for the results of criminal investigations and court trials before disciplining his players.
R.J. Luke and T.C. Cosby stayed in good standing with the team while awaiting trial on charges of assault stemming from a fight outside a fraternity house in July 2001. They were eventually acquitted of all charges.
Phillips was given a two-semester expulsion by the Office of Judicial Affairs after accepting responsibility for the incident on Dec. 12. Phillips was allowed to play in the Capital One Bowl on Jan. 1 because the sentence did not begin until the spring 2003 semester. Paterno has refused comment on the matter, and Phillips is currently not listed on the roster.
It was not known at press time if the State College police department is conducting an investigation into the incident.
