Air Force Academy’s Investigations Under Review

The Defense Department says it's reviewing whether the Air Force Academy adequately investigated allegations of sexual assault and other misconduct by football players.

The Colorado Springs Gazette reported Wednesday the Defense Department inspector general will also look into whether investigators encountered obstacles in reviewing the allegations.

Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and John Thune of South Dakota asked for an inquiry in August after a former Air Force investigator said agents were blocked from speaking to football coaches.

The investigator also said he wasn't allowed to defend a cadet who was expelled for demerits he accumulated because of his work as a confidential informant.

Academy officials say they're cooperating with the inspector general's inquiry.

School officials have said multiple agencies concluded the academy handles sexual assault cases appropriately.