Bowling Green State University football player accused of attempted rape

Bond set at $25,000 for sophomore William Houston

William Houston (32) is a sophomore running back for the Falcons.

William Houston (32) is a sophomore running back for the Falcons.

BOWLING GREEN -- Bond for a Bowling Green State University football player who is accused of attempted rape has been set at $25,000.

William Houston, 19, of Dublin, Ohio, remains in the Wood County jail. He was arraigned today by video in Bowling Green Municipal Court.

Bowling Green police Lt. Brad Biller said officers were called to a home in the 200 block of Manville Drive 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.

William Houston

Mr. Houston, a running back 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. He carried the ball 49 times for 211 yards but tied for the team lead with 11 rushing touchdowns.

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.