Two NC State football players dismissed, three suspended after investigation into on-campus party

RALEIGH, North Carolina (WTVD) -- NC State University Police announced Tuesday that two freshman football players, Antoine Thompson and Kevince Brown, have been dismissed while freshman players Isaiah Moore, Erin Collins and Xavier Lyas have been suspended following an investigation into an on-campus party.

* 5 players being investigated for alleged drug, alcohol, and sexual assault crimes
* Accused players were among "less than a dozen" attendants of on-campus party
* Party took place in football player's dorm room, not an Athletics-sanctioned event

CLICK HERE TO READ NC STATE'S STATEMENT (.pdf)

School officials said players violated the university's code of conduct by attending a party where alcohol and marijuana were present.

They said the party was held in a football player's dorm room and was not an Athletics-sanctioned event, adding that the gathering was not approved or known by football personnel.

Officials said the students were on campus for summer classes.

This investigation stems from a separate investigation into alleged sexual assaults which were reported last month.

READ MORE: 3 REPORTS OF SEX ASSAULT AT NCSU STUDENT HOUSING

Authorities said the assaults happened at a party in Wolf Village on July 21st.

During a Tuesday news conference, NC State Police Chief Jack Moorman said the five players were among "less than a dozen" attendants of the party that included the three alleged victims.

Watch Moorman commnent on incident and investigation.

Disciplinary action for Moore, Collins, and Lyas are being handled internally, the university said.

In a news release, head football coach Dave Doeren said the boy's actions do not align with the team's values.

"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."

CLICK HERE TO READ WOLFPACK FOOTBALL'S CHAMPIONSHIP CULTURE CODE

Following the incident, Director of Athletics Debbie Yow issued this statement:

"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."