Athlete accused in rape attempt

Victim reports assault at home; BGSU football player arraigned

William Houston (32), a sophomore at Bowling Green State University and running back with the BGSU football team, is charged with attempted rape.

BOWLING GREEN — A Bowling Green State University football player accused of attempted rape remained in the Wood County jail Monday night.

William Houston, 19, of Dublin, Ohio, was arraigned by video in Bowling Green Municipal Court and was ordered to remain in the jail in lieu of $25,000 bond.

Bowling Green police Lt. Brad Biller said officers were called to a house in the 200 block of Manville Avenue at 5:03 a.m. Sunday. The victim told police she had been at the Manville address for a party and fell asleep. She awoke when a man “tried to force himself on her,” according to a police report. The victim told police she did not know the man, and she fled after she woke up.

The victim returned to the Manville address where she met and talked to police. People at the home identified the suspect as Mr. Houston, a sophomore running back on the football team.

Mr. Houston, from Dublin Scioto High School in suburban Columbus, played in 14 games as a freshman for the Falcons last season, primarily as a short-yardage back.

Mr. Houston was arrested Sunday at his on-campus residence hall, Lieutenant Biller said.

“We are waiting for more details. We’re anticipating more details to come out of it in the next few days. It’s pretty early in the process,” said Jason Knavel, assistant athletics director for communications.

Dave Kielmeyer, a BGSU spokesman, said the university would conduct an investigation, and Mr. Houston could face disciplinary action.