Max Redfield Dismissed; Devin Butler Suspended Indefinitely
Senior safety Max Redfield has been dismissed from the Notre Dame football team, coach Brian Kelly announced Sunday.
Redfield, Kevin Stepherson Jr. and Dexter Williams were charged with marijuana possession and possession of a handgun without a license, while Ashton White and Te'von Coney were charged with marijuana possession after they were stopped by Indiana State Police in Fulton County, Ind. on Friday night.
Cornerback Devin Butler has been suspended indefinitely by Kelly. Butler was arrested early Saturday morning at the Linebacker Lounge in South Bend on preliminary charges of battery to law enforcement and resisting law enforcement.
Stepherson, Williams, Coney and White will be "subject to disciplinary measures internal to the football program," according to Kelly.
Kelly released the following statement:
"During the past 24 hours, I have met with each of the members of our team involved in the two incidents that occurred over the weekend, reviewed the evidence available to me, and consulted with others involved in the leadership of our team and the University. That process has only served to deepen my disappointment in the poor decisions made by these young men. Their conduct fell far short of what we expect from those who represent our football team and this great university.
"On the basis of my review, I have decided to dismiss Max Redfield from our football team and place Devin Butler on indefinite suspension. The other individuals, while not being separated from the team, will be subject to disciplinary measures internal to the football program.
"In making this announcement it is important to stress that all of the players involved in these two incidents remain subject to justice system and University discipline, and those processes could yet impact their standing with the University and the team. At Notre Dame, where we place so much importance on the integration of students who are athletes into the broader university, the primary responsibility for discipline lies, as it should, with the University's Office of Community Standards. But even within that system, there are times when a player's conduct so clearly fails to meet the standards I have set for our football team that it is appropriate to take action independent of any decision that might be made by the Office of Community Standards. This is such an instance. The expectations we set for the members of our team are high, but they are especially so for the upperclassmen who are expected to provide leadership and a positive example to the other members of the team. Max and, at least at this stage in the review of his case, Devin, have failed in that regard and so have lost the privilege of continuing to be part of our team."
Redfield was Notre Dame's fourth-leading tackler last season with 64 stops.