To the extent that the NFL believes that the problem of players being accused of sexual assault without being arrested will be rare, another situation has developed.
According to Sean Jensen of the Chicago Sun-Times, a lawsuit alleging sexual assault has been filed against Colts defensive tackle Eric Foster.
A student at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis claims that she was sexually assaulted by Foster on the morning of the AFC Championship Game in January, at the University Place Hotel. Though Marion County prosecutor Carl Brizzi decided in February not to pursue criminal charges, the alleged victim’s lawyer claims that the IUPUI police department mishandled the case.
The alleged victim contends that, while working at the hotel where the Colts were staying, she was directed to take a dental kit to Foster’s room. When she arrived, he allegedly asked her to look at his bathroom sink, which he said wasn’t working. Her lawyer claims that Foster “then proceeded to forcibly engage in deviant sexual acts.” The alleged victim contends that she escaped the room and immediately reported the incident to hotel security.
Things got interesting -- and troubling -- after the alleged victim also reported the matter to IUPUI police. The alleged victim says she soon was required to submit to a four-hour lie-detector test, and her lawyer claims that she has been “stonewalled” by campus police and hotel security.
“The lack of cooperation for the victim of a sexual assault, I’ve never seen anything like this in my life,’' attorney April Board said. ''Usually, they make an effort. But there’s been no cooperation.’'
We’d hate to think that the folks at IUPUI and at the hotel opted not to make waves for fear of jeopardizing their relationship with the Colts. Though we’ll keep an open mind on that point for now, we’re going to keep an eye on this specific angle as the story unfolds.
As a rookie in 2008, Foster appeared in 14 games, starting 11. In 2009, he appeared in all 19 games, with five starts.
