Three Michigan State players, staffer suspended during sexual assault investigation
Michigan State announced on Thursday that three football players and a staff member were suspended for their roles in an alleged sexual assault.
The unnamed players and staffer will be suspended while the university police department investigates the assault allegations.
The university will conduct a separate investigation into whether or not there were any violations of the school’s Title IX policies. An outside law firm will be brought in by the university to investigate if the football program violated with the school’s response policy for sexual assaults.
No charges have been filed yet, but the Ingham County Prosecutor’s office will review reports from the university police before it takes further action.
Michigan State athletic director Mark Hollis released a statement on the allegations:
“The core values of MSU Athletics are clear, consistently communicated and non-negotiable. Among them are respect for self and others, accountability for actions and choices, and integrity. Sexual assault is unacceptable, and members of MSU Athletics who fail to uphold our standards for creating a culture that is safe, supportive, and responsive to those affected by it will be held accountable. My expectation of all members of the department is full and complete cooperation with all investigations.
We have a strong athletics program at MSU, one based on values, traditions, and an understanding that as Spartans we are part of something bigger. Our promise to current and future student-athletes and to the entire Spartan community is to take the steps necessary, based on the facts determined through thorough review, to run this program according to the highest values and standards.”