RELEASE: Two Dismissed, Three Suspended From Football Team
Two Players Dismissed, Three Suspended from NC State Football Team
NC State football freshmen Antoine Thompson and Kevince Brown have been dismissed from the team, while Isaiah Moore, Erin Collins and Xavier Lyas have been suspended, head coach Dave Doeren announced.
The measures of discipline for Moore, Collins and Lyas have been handled internally.
Statements from NC State Athletics
NC State Football Head Coach Dave Doeren:
“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. 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.”
Director of Athletics Debbie Yow:
“The culture we have established and continue to reinforce to our student athletes, staff and coaches is one that expects integrity and accountability in all we do. When that culture is threatened through violations of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct or Team Rules, disciplinary actions must be imposed. Participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege, not a right.
The football players who violated the Student Athlete Code of Conduct and Football Team Rules have been disciplined by Coach Doeren, with my full support. Coach Doeren continues to responsibly manage difficult circumstances in an appropriate and forthcoming manner, which is greatly appreciated. Two have been dismissed from the team and are no longer enrolled at NC State, and three others have received suspensions from competition, as well as other discipline. These actions are not regarding allegations of sexual assault. 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.
To be clear, the actions taken by Athletics are separate from any that might be imposed by the University or legal authorities. We fully support those processes.”
NC State Athletics will have no additional comment unless further information warrants.