By NOAH TRISTER
AP Sports Writer

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.(AP) -- A special prosecutor will review a rape
claim against three Arkansas basketball players after local
authorities declined to file charges.

Washington County Circuit Judge William A. Storey filed an order
Monday asking the state's prosecutor coordinator to recommend
someone to take over the case. A lawyer representing the accuser
requested a special prosecutor last week, and local prosecutor
John Threet filed his own motion Monday asking for one.

"While I stand by the decision that there is insufficient
evidence to file charges against any of the young men, I have
requested and received an order appointing a special
prosecutor," Threet said in a statement. "The complaining
witness' private attorney has questioned the ethics and
integrity of this office. This office does not take such
accusations lightly."

John D. Bass, who represents the accuser, noted in last week's
brief that Threet is the son-in-law of former Arkansas athletic
director Frank Broyles, and the brother-in-law of an athletic
department spokesman.

A university freshman named three basketball players in the
complaint, saying she was raped at a fraternity house in late
August. Threet announced in September he wouldn't bring charges.

Bass said Monday's order would save time and expense.

"The victim and her family are hopeful that a thorough and
unbiased investigation will be conducted and we will be
concentrating our efforts on that," Bass said in a statement.

Threet said he wanted to speed up the process of appointing a
special prosecutor because "this needs to be an end to this."

"I have stated from the beginning that I am not opposed to the
court appointing a special prosecutor," Threet said. "If I can
do anything that speeds this process along for the sake of all
of the young people involved, I will do it."