Notre Dame confirms investigation into academic misconduct, 4 players suspended

The University of Notre Dame confirmed Friday it is in the process of investigating alleged academic dishonesty on the part of several students. The school said four members of the current football team are believed to be involved.

In a statement the university revealed that "evidence that students had submitted papers and homework that had been written for them by others was initially detected at the end of the summer session, and referred to the compliance office in athletics July 29."

The four players involved are wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive back KeiVarae Russell, linebacker Kendall Moore and defensive lineman Ishaq Williams. All four were reported as having been dismissed from the team, but Notre Dame president Rev. John I. Jenkins announced (without naming names) in a press conference that while they may be under suspension, no players involved have been dismissed.

"Integrity is at the heart of our mission and academic misconduct will not be tolerated by Notre Dame," Jenkins said in the statement. "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."

According to the statement, if the allegations prove true then Notre Dame will voluntarily vacate any wins in which the players involved in the investigation played.