Three MSU football players suspended amid sexual assault investigation
EAST LANSING - Michigan State University has suspended three football players and a staff member while its police department investigates sexual assault allegations.
A separate investigation will look into whether there have been violations of the university’s Title IX policies, the university said in a statement posted online Thursday evening.
In addition, the university said it will bring in an outside law firm "to conduct a thorough and independent investigation into football program staff members’ compliance with university policy in connection with the allegations."
"MSU will take prompt action, if appropriate, in response to any policy violations or other substantive matters as a result of the investigation," MSU spokesman Jason Cody said in the statement.
As part of the investigation, Cody said detectives are interviewing members of the coaching staff and "other relevant individuals" regarding their response since the complaint was made in late January.
No charges have been filed, although Ingham County Prosecutor Carol Siemon has confirmed her office has been in communication with university police about the investigation and could get requests for charges next week for review.
Cody said the student athletes have been removed from university housing and suspended from team activities pending completion of the investigations. The university did not identify the athletes or the staff member, except to say that the staffer was "associated with the football program."
This is the second high profile investigation of sexual assault in progress at MSU. The other involves fired MSU doctor Larry Nassar, who is subject of more than 60 sexual assault complaints made to law enforcement, including MSU Police, since the Indianapolis Star reported allegations by a former gymnast last year. He had served as trainer for the USA Gymnastics team as well as the MSU women's gymnastics team.
Universities are required by federal law to investigate sexual assault, harassment and dating violence under federal Title IX laws. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Education concluded an investigation into MSU’s handling of sexual assault and relationship violence allegations, which was prompted by complaints against the university. The report determined MSU had failed to respond to complaints in a timely manner and may have contributed to a “sexually hostile environment” on campus.
The university has made wholesale changes since the end of the federal investigation, including more than 30 revised policies, procedures and documents.
MSU is currently facing two federal lawsuits alleging Title IX violations. One was filed by four women in 2015 who say MSU failed to adequately respond to their claims and protect them from retaliation. The other is a federal suit against Nassar, the university and other defendants that also alleges Title IX shortcomings.
"MSU has been proactive in education and prevention efforts and is strongly committed to fostering an environment that encourages sexual assault reporting and supports victims," Cody said in the release.
Without directly referring to the sexual assault allegations, MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis said in a statement that MSU is committed to running its programs to "the highest values and standards."
“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,” Hollis said. “My expectation of all members of the department is full and complete cooperation with all investigations.”
The university did not release a statement from Head Football Coach Mark Dantonio Thursday night.
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