BYU's Crowton subpoenaed over player rape allegations

Brigham Young University football coach Gary Crowton has been subpoenaed by Utah County authorities in connection with their investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving BYU football players in August.

The Salt Lake Tribune has learned that Crowton and an unidentified assistant coach have received subpoenas.

"I have no comment," Crowton said.

A university official said he did not know if any coaches have been served a subpoena, which could be considered standard procedure. The subpoena does not indicate that Crowton has any information beyond what prosecutors already know.

"If that type of thing were to happen it's a personal issue, not an issue the university would comment on," said BYU spokesperson Michael Smart.

Another Utah County Attorney's Office subpoena requires BYU's Honor Code Office to hand over records in the case. Honor Code officials have already punished several players over the alleged incident in August.

No criminal charges have been filed.

In August, Provo police began investigating a 17-year-old girl's allegation that several BYU football players raped her after the group drank vodka and viewed a pornographic video at a party in an apartment leased to two players. A district court judge has sealed results of blood tests taken from four players.

At least three freshman players - B.J. Mathis, William Turner and Karland Bennett - have been suspended from the university. Other players have been put on probation.

The players have appealed the suspensions. The appeals process reviews whether BYU followed proper procedures and does not go over the evidence.

"The overall Honor Code case has not been completed," Smart said.

Until the appeals are finished, all players are allowed to attend class and practice with the team. The suspended players are expected to enroll in out-of-state junior colleges, where they would be required to graduate if they transfer to a Division I school other than BYU.

The players on probation can practice and play in the games. Two starters on this year's team are on probation from an incident in January.

Last winter, a BYU female athlete initially claimed she was raped by football players and then later admitted the sex was consensual.

One month later, the school suspended four players and put two on probation.

The Honor Code subpoena is the second in school history.