Notre Dame is investigating instances of suspected academic misconduct that involves four members of its football team, according to a University press release late Friday afternoon.
The ongoing investigation is examining evidence that summer session students submitted papers and homework that had been written for them by others, the release said. Four players will be held out of practice and competition until the investigation concludes.
A source confirmed to The Observer that four players – graduate student linebacker Kendall Moore, senior receiver DaVaris Daniels, senior defensive end Ishaq Williams and junior cornerback KeiVarae Russell – were present at Notre Dame’s Guglielmino Athletic Complex Friday morning but did not practice with the team.
According to the press release, “any other academic dishonesty by other students will be addressed appropriately,” and students subject to the investigation will remain enrolled at the University until its conclusion.
“Integrity is at the heart of our mission, and academic misconduct will not be tolerated at Notre Dame,” University President Fr. John Jenkins said in the press release. “If the suspected improprieties are proven, we will use the experience to reinforce among our students the importance of honesty in all that they do. We are also examining ways of better conveying to students that they can avail themselves of legitimate academic assistance without resorting to cheating.”
Evidence of the academic dishonesty was referred to the athletic compliance office July 29. If the investigation concludes that student-athletes would have been ineligible during previous games, Notre Dame “will voluntarily vacate” any wins in which the student-athletes competed, according to the University press release.
“The University is committed to thorough resolution of this matter, consistent with its commitment to academic integrity and adherence to NCAA rules,” Jenkins said in the University press release.
A press conference on the investigation will be held at 6 p.m. tonight. It will be streamed live on news.nd.edu and und.com.
