Molesting claims against ex-AAU official examined

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis police said Monday that investigators are still trying to follow up on allegations that ex-Amateur Athletic Union President Robert "Bobby" Dodd molested children 30 years ago, but they have not received a formal victim complaint.

Investigators received information from the AAU about accusations, but would not disclose whether they are investigating one or multiple allegations.

Deputy chief Dave Martello said he could not provide details because the investigation is ongoing.

"We're looking into whether or not the accusations made to the AAU, if there's anything to them," Martello said.

He called the case "different" because the department was acting on allegations made in the media and by the AAU, not on a formal complaint from any possible victim, which is the typical protocol.

"Those are going to be a lot of baby steps," Martello said about the investigation.

ESPN reported Friday that two former basketball players have accused Dodd of molesting them as children.

The AAU has confirmed that it is investigating the claims, which date to the 1980s. One of the players, 43-year-old Ralph West, told ESPN's "Outside the Lines" he was assaulted in Memphis in 1984.

AAU Acting President Louis Stout has said that the 63-year-old Dodd has colon cancer and will not return to his positions as president and executive director.

A phone call placed to a number for an Orlando address listed for Dodd in Memphis property records was not answered. No other phone number was listed at a Florida address for Dodd and it was not clear whether he had consulted an attorney. Dodd did not respond to ESPN's requests for comment. His assistant told the network in an email that Dodd retired from the AAU on Nov. 29 for health reasons.

Both accusers said they never went to police and only recently told their families.

Shelby County district attorney Amy Weirich said a statute of limitations on charges could be a factor in the investigation as it progresses.