Police probe alleged torture of player in Rio slum

Police say they will investigate allegations that Vasco da Gama midfielder Bernardo was tortured by drug traffickers in a Rio de Janeiro slum.

Authorities say the player apparently was held by traffickers earlier this week after he was seen with the girlfriend of one of the drug leaders in the Mare shantytown in Rio's north side.

Police already interrogated the girlfriend, who was abducted along with Bernardo and was shot in the leg by the traffickers. Her leg wounds were not serious and Bernardo also was not gravely hurt.

Authorities said Friday that two other players were with Bernardo and pleaded with the traffickers to release him.

Police investigator Jose Pedro da Costa told the O Globo newspaper and other media that he will interrogate all players involved.