NEWS

Judge orders DNA samples in UT rape investigation

By Matt Slovin and Anita Wadhwani
mslovin@tennessean.com; awadhwani@tennessean.com
Neyland Stadium

Knoxville police have obtained DNA samples from two University of Tennessee football players in connection with their investigation into the alleged rape and sexual assault of two 19-year-old women early Sunday morning.

Vols star linebacker A.J. Johnson, a senior, and sophomore defensive back Michael Williams have been named as suspects in the rape of a UT female student athlete. Williams also was named as the suspect in a second sexual assault on another 19-year-old woman, a college student visiting from out of state. The woman has since returned to Florida and declined to pursue charges.

On Tuesday afternoon, Knox County Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee ordered Johnson and Williams to submit to DNA swabs at the Knoxville Police Department, according to two search warrants obtained by The Tennessean.

Both players complied on Tuesday, according to the warrants.

Johnson and Williams were indefinitely suspended from all team-related activities on Monday by coach Butch Jones.

A police spokesman said the investigation remains open. Neither Williams nor Johnson has been charged or arrested.

Search warrant documents

The two also will face on-campus disciplinary proceedings, according to Margie Nichols, vice chancellor for communications at the university.

On Monday, Jones said it was "very difficult" to suspend Johnson, a two-time All-SEC selection and the team's leading tackler, in the week before the Vols face the University of Missouri Tigers on Senior Day, when the team's seniors will be honored. Jones said in a radio interview this week that Johnson will not be able to participate in the festivities.

Linebackers coach Tommy Thigpen defended Johnson's character on Wednesday, calling him a "great ambassador."

Thus far UT athletics department officials have remained silent about the alleged victim, who also is a student athlete.

Reach Matt Slovin on Twitter @MattSlovin. Reach Anita Wadhwani at 615-259-8092 or on Twitter @AnitaWadhwani.