Neb. Lineman Christensen Arrested; Suspected Of Sexual Assault

By OSKAR GARCIA Associated Press Writer

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) – Nebraska offensive lineman Andy Christensen was arrested early Saturday, suspected of sexual assault after an overnight incident at a downtown bar in Lincoln.

A 23-year-old Lincoln woman reported that Christensen approached her from behind, reached underneath her clothing and sexually assaulted her about 12:30 a.m., Lincoln police Capt. Joseph Wright said.

Wright said Christensen was arrested outside the Brass Rail bar for first degree sexual assault, resisting arrest and failure to comply.

Prosecutors would decide on formal charges and Christensen would be arraigned on Monday, Wright said.

It was unclear whether Christensen, who started eight games for Nebraska as a sophomore in 2006, had a lawyer. A phone call by The Associated Press to the jail where he was being held was not answered.

Wright said it was also unclear whether Christensen had been drinking. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said in a release that the junior has been suspended indefinitely from the team. Pelini says he will reconsider Christensen’s status when more information is available.

“The charges against Andy are serious in nature and these types of actions will not be tolerated,” Pelini said. Christensen started the first three games at left guard last fall before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)