San Diego State Athletic Director Mike Bohn took action yesterday to defend his program from further battering.

In response to a report that aired last night on ESPN's "Outside the Lines" about sex and college recruiting, in which the network cited unidentified sources who alleged strippers worked parties for SDSU football recruits in the late 1990s, Bohn sent an e-mail to staff and select boosters.

"Such statements are, we firmly believe, false," Bohn wrote in the e-mail.

Contacted last night, Bohn acknowledged that he was perturbed and explained his reasoning for taking the proactive approach.

"This was five years ago," he said of the alleged parties mentioned on the show by the stripper. "The other allegations we have dealt with happened (two) years ago. We have a new A.D., a football coach entering his third year and we're taking a new course of action. We're not going to allow our program to be attacked with unfounded allegations."

The ESPN report centered on allegations by a woman identified only as Nicole, who said she worked SDSU parties two different years in the late '90s – "a couple each year." The network also said it had learned of the parties from "a source close to program" and another exotic dancer.

Bohn said the e-mail was sent to make sure those who are close to the program are informed.

"This report is just one more in a continuing barrage of unfounded allegations about our athletics programs," the e-mail stated. "Clearly, as the result of last year's audit of the SDSU Athletics Department demonstrates, we are not without fault. We have diligently investigated each credible claim and, where appropriate, have taken action and corrected policy and procedure.

"The continuing implication that there is more than has previously been revealed and resolved is at best incorrect and at worst a deliberate intent to harm the university, the athletics program, and individuals within the campus community."

The ESPN report – which cited alleged incidents from before current head coach Tom Craft's arrival – comes after recent allegations of misbehavior in the football program, particularly the use of alcohol.