Former 49er C.J. Spillman investigated for sexual assault

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Friday, October 10, 2014
C.J. Spillman
This June 4, 2013, file photo shows then-San Francisco 49ers safety C.J. Spillman at an NFL football training camp in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)
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SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- The San Francisco 49ers have confirmed that Santa Clara police investigated a former player, safety C.J. Spillman, on accusations that he tried to rape a Bay Area massage therapist last December.

Police and prosecutors decided there was not enough evidence to arrest or charge him. Spillman was released by the 49ers before this season and signed by the Dallas Cowboys.

There are reports he is now being investigated for a sexual assault in Texas.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says the sexual assault investigation involving Spillman differs from other cases that have led to criticism of the league because the special teams player hasn't been arrested or charged.

Jones said on his radio show Friday that "it becomes a different situation for us" if police decide charges are warranted. Jones repeated coach Jason Garrett's assertion a day earlier than Spillman would remain active during the investigation.

Police say the alleged assault occurred early Sept. 20 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine.

The report was made less than 24 hours after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell held a news conference to address the league's handling of domestic violence issues.

ABC7 News contributed to this report.