College football: Three Michigan State players suspended during sexual assault investigation

Three Michigan State University football players have been suspended from team activities and removed from on-campus housing as part of a sexual assault investigation.

A staff member associated with Michigan State’s football program also has been suspended, school spokesman Jason Cody said Thursday in a release.

Police are expected to forward reports in the case to the Ingham County prosecutor’s office for possible criminal charges.

“As part of the criminal investigation, detectives are interviewing members of the coaching staff and other relevant individuals regarding their response since the complaint was made in late January,” Cody said.

Names of the players were not released, but Cody said the school is retaining a law firm to conduct an investigation into “football program staff members’ compliance with university policy in connection with the allegations.”

A Title IX consultant also has been retained to conduct a separate investigation into whether MSU’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct policy was violated.

“The core values of MSU athletics are clear, consistently communicated and non-negotiable,” Athletic Director Mark Hollis said in the release. “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.”

Etc.

North Carolina defensive coordinator Gene Chizik, 55, is resigning after two seasons with the Tar Heels. In a letter to North Carolina fans, Chizik said he was stepping away from football to focus on his family. Chizik’s wife and three children still live in Auburn, Alabama, where he was head coach of the Tigers from 2009-12. Linebacker coach John Papuchis is being promoted to defensive coordinator. …

Georgia State will host its first football game at the stadium formerly known as Turner Field on Aug. 31 against Tennessee State. The Sun Belt Conference school is now calling the facility Georgia State Stadium. This will be the third incarnation of the stadium just south of downtown Atlanta.