Minnesota looking into wresting team after drug claims

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The University of Minnesota has opened its own probe of the wrestling program as campus police investigate a team member's disputed allegation that the head coach covered up his wrestlers' sale and use of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax.

One wrestler, speaking on condition of anonymity to the Star Tribune, told the Minneapolis newspaper last week Robinson collected hundreds of Xanax pills from members of the team without reporting the issue to police or the university. The anonymous wrestler said in the interview he told the police himself about the alleged drug ring.

James C.W. Bock, the attorney for Robinson, issued a statement denying a cover-up by his client. He said Robinson informed athletic department superiors "through multiple channels" earlier this year of his suspicion that team members were using the drugs.

Robinson followed department policy in late February or early March by notifying his direct supervisor in the athletic department as well as interim athletic director Beth Goetz of his belief team members were using drugs and stated his desire to have specific wrestlers tested, Bock said.

According to Bock, Robinson completed a "reasonable suspicion testing form" and had testing conducted on or around March 21. The wrestlers were not tested for Xanax, however. Goetz e-mailed the university's 20-page drug and alcohol policy to Robinson on March 25, and Robinson informed university staff of specific concerns.

"As of this date no specific person or identifiable employee of the university has made a statement of fact that can be corroborated," Bock said in his statement.