Ohio attorney general: Close athletes’ rape trial

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio’s attorney general says the trial of two high school football players charged with raping a 16-year-old girl should be closed to protect the victim.

Attorney General Mike DeWine says it will be hard enough for the girl to testify without having to do so in front of the whole world.

DeWine also said Wednesday he’s not concerned with publicity over the Internet or social media tainting the case because it’s being heard by a judge, not a jury.

DeWine says he has met with the 16-year-old West Virginia girl who was allegedly attacked and says she’s doing OK.

A judge holds a hearing Friday in Steubenville in eastern Ohio to hear requests from defense attorneys to delay the case, move it and close it to the public.