Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live At Daybreak
Latest Scandal to Hit University of Colorado
Aired February 18, 2004 - 05:21 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: The University of Colorado has been dealing with allegations the football team uses sex as a way to recruit players. Well, now there is a second allegation that may be even more damaging.
CNN's Josie Burke reports from Boulder, Colorado.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOSIE BURKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As a freshman kicker on the University of Colorado football team, Katie Hnida's gender made her a novelty. And, she alleges in this week's issue of "Sports Illustrated" magazine, a target, as well. Nhida, now a student at the University of New Mexico, says that during the 1999 season, she was routinely harassed by her teammates. She also alleges that one player raped her at his apartment during the summer of 2000.
In the "Sports Illustrated" article, Nhida is quoted as saying, "I told him no, but he just kept going." Nhida did not report the alleged crime at the time. She released a statement explaining why she is sharing her story now. It reads, in part, "I did this because I hope no one else will have to deal with the horrors I've endured over the past few years."
GARY BARNETT, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Since learning of these allegations, I've contacted teammates of her, male teammates of hers, female staff members in the Dawards Center (ph), people who've worked with her and to try to find out if there's something I missed or something somebody missed in this whole process.
BURKE: Nhida's allegation is just the latest blow to the Colorado football program. Last month, allegations surfaced that the school used sex and alcohol to entice high school players visiting campus on recruiting trips.
University of Colorado President Elizabeth Hoffman insists the school is serious about getting to the bottom of the scandal.
ELIZABETH HOFFMAN, PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO: We are steadfast in our determination to vigorously pursue all of the allegations that have come forward. We will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our students, staff and faculty. We are very committed to that.
BURKE (on camera): Colorado already announced one change on Tuesday. The university is creating a new, special assistant position to act as a liaison between the office of the president and the office of the chancellor and the athletic department.
Josie Burke, CNN, Boulder, Colorado.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired February 18, 2004 - 05:21 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: The University of Colorado has been dealing with allegations the football team uses sex as a way to recruit players. Well, now there is a second allegation that may be even more damaging.
CNN's Josie Burke reports from Boulder, Colorado.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOSIE BURKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): As a freshman kicker on the University of Colorado football team, Katie Hnida's gender made her a novelty. And, she alleges in this week's issue of "Sports Illustrated" magazine, a target, as well. Nhida, now a student at the University of New Mexico, says that during the 1999 season, she was routinely harassed by her teammates. She also alleges that one player raped her at his apartment during the summer of 2000.
In the "Sports Illustrated" article, Nhida is quoted as saying, "I told him no, but he just kept going." Nhida did not report the alleged crime at the time. She released a statement explaining why she is sharing her story now. It reads, in part, "I did this because I hope no one else will have to deal with the horrors I've endured over the past few years."
GARY BARNETT, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Since learning of these allegations, I've contacted teammates of her, male teammates of hers, female staff members in the Dawards Center (ph), people who've worked with her and to try to find out if there's something I missed or something somebody missed in this whole process.
BURKE: Nhida's allegation is just the latest blow to the Colorado football program. Last month, allegations surfaced that the school used sex and alcohol to entice high school players visiting campus on recruiting trips.
University of Colorado President Elizabeth Hoffman insists the school is serious about getting to the bottom of the scandal.
ELIZABETH HOFFMAN, PRESIDENT, UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO: We are steadfast in our determination to vigorously pursue all of the allegations that have come forward. We will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of our students, staff and faculty. We are very committed to that.
BURKE (on camera): Colorado already announced one change on Tuesday. The university is creating a new, special assistant position to act as a liaison between the office of the president and the office of the chancellor and the athletic department.
Josie Burke, CNN, Boulder, Colorado.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
