As For The Rest, Nobody's Talking

Repeated efforts by SPORTS ILLUSTRATED to reach the three Boston College players for their response failed.

Ernie Cobb's lawyer, Franklin Melzer of Stamford, Conn., said he advised Cobb it was not in his "best interest" to discuss the case. However, Melzer denied any wrongdoing by his client. Cobb's mother, Luvenia, said she didn't know where her son lived or how to get in touch with him. "I'm not even worried," she said. "I know he's not involved in any of this. The only thing that's bothering me is hearing his name all over."

In Trenton, N.J., Jim Sweeney's father, Donald, said that his son is working but he doesn't know where or how to contact him. Asked if his son has engaged an attorney, Donald Sweeney would not say yes or no. On one occasion, a woman who answered the Sweeney phone refused to take a message that Jim return the call.

Rick Kuhn's sister-in-law in Swissvale, Pa., Mrs. Fred Kuhn, said, "I don't know anything about this," and hung up. A call to the home of Kuhn's parents was answered by a woman who didn't identify herself but said, "You're not supposed to bother us." She hung up.

Boston College officials wouldn't help locate the players.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED'S persistent efforts to talk with Tony and Rocca Perla also failed. Rocca told SI he would not answer any questions. At Tony's home, his wife said he would have no comment, on the advice of his lawyer.