NC State dismisses two players, suspends three more

North Carolina State dismissed two football players and suspended three others after an investigation into an on-campus party last month.

Freshmen Antoine Thompson and Kevince Brown were booted off the squad, while freshmen Isaiah Moore, Erin Collins and Xavier Lyas were suspended for violation of football rules in addition to the school’s student-athlete code of conduct.

The investigation began after a sexual assault charge was reported on July 22, one day following the party. The school said Tuesday’s penalties were related to alcohol and marijuana being present at the party and were not associated with the sexual assault.

“These actions are not regarding allegations of sexual assault,” athletic director Debbie Yow said in a statement. “We reserve the right to impose additional sanctions if new violations are discovered.

“Should any student-athlete be charged with sexual misconduct by legal authorities, he will immediately be suspended from the team. That said, it is extremely important to respect due process for the student-athletes.”

Three different sexual assaults were reported in the days following the party.

The school said that university police are close to concluding their investigation and have turned over evidence to the Wake County District Attorney’s Office.

NC State is also conducting a Title IX investigation regarding the incident.

Football coach Dave Doeren addressed the discipline handed down Tuesday.

“We have a locker room full of young men committed to representing our University with integrity and respect, and have created a strong culture for NC State Football through our leadership program,” Doeren said in a statement. “We had five freshmen, two of whom have been dismissed, who made poor decisions that don’t align with the values of our program and each has been handled accordingly.

“Although I’ve disciplined these players for violations of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct, I want to make it clear that I respect due process in the University and legal proceedings. Our players understand that I’m going be firm but fair when it comes to discipline.”