NASHVILLE (AP) — The Tennessee Court of Appeals has denied access to records related to a Vanderbilt University rape case against four former Vanderbilt University football players.

The Tennessean (http://tnne.ws/1CFe8B8) reports that the three-judge panel ruled Tuesday that records sought by The Tennessean and a media coalition — including The Associated Press — should not be made public because they are part of a continuing police investigation.

In the ruling, the judges focused on the rules of criminal procedure, which can keep police materials secret.

"The fact that the police investigation and criminal prosecution are ongoing is a significant factor in our disposition of this case," wrote Judges Richard G. Dinkins and Frank G. Clement.

The decision reverses part of an earlier ruling by Davidson County Chancellor Russell T. Perkins, who had found that some records given to police should be made available.

Tennessean news director Maria De Varenne says the coalition is considering an appeal.

All four players have pleaded not guilty and are free on bonds ranging from $50,000 to $350,000.