"Police say both men admitted to stealing beer from a cooler at the nightclub. Both face larceny charges. Roberts, who is 19 years old, is also charged with being a minor in possession of alcohol and with using a fake ID. Barker is expected to be a starter on the offensive line after being named a second-team freshman All-American by the Sporting News in 2006. He's one of two returning starting offensive lineman on Virginia's team this year. UVA football head coach Al Groh has declined to comment on this story. UVA Athletic Director Craig Littlepage said they are working on addressing the arrests and academic problems across all athletic teams, not just the football team."

Sporting News surmises that the players were there because the business operates as an after-hours club "which likely explains why football players--not known for being models of forward-thinking tolerance of all lifestyles--would be there. They had beer, and they were open."

Last update: 01-29-2009 20:29