National Football League

Temple freshman LB charged with on-campus rape

Published Jun. 5, 2012 9:06 p.m. ET

foxsports

A freshman member of Temple University's football team is facing rape and other charges for allegedly attacking a woman on campus, but his attorney says the allegations are baseless.

Eighteen-year-old Praise Martin-Oguike (oh-GWEE'-kay) faces charges including rape and aggravated assault in connection with the May 26 encounter.

Temple coach Steve Addazio said Tuesday that the 6-foot-1 linebacker has been suspended from the team pending the outcome of the charges.

Martin-Oguike, of Sewaren, N.J., appeared in seven games last season but has been removed from the current roster. He was arraigned May 31 and released on bail.

Defense attorney James Funt says Martin-Oguike is a ''good young man'' whose only mistake was rejecting the woman's demands for a permanent relationship.