MINNEAPOLIS - The University of Minnesota says ten Gophers football players have been suspended indefinitely from all team activities.
On Tuesday night The U of M released a list naming the suspended players, who are Ray Buford, Carlton Djam, Seth Green, KiAnte Hardin, Dior Johnson, Tamarion Johnson, Kobe McCrary, Antonio Shenault, Mark Williams and Antoine Winfield Jr., according to a university official.
"I don't know necessarily who was aware," said Defensive Coordinator Jay Sawvel. "I know I was aware about 4:30 yesterday. That was when I was aware. This was a 4:30 surprise."
Athletic Director Mark Coyle met with players at the end of practice on Wednesday, then spoke very briefly to reporters about the decision.
"Last night I met with coach Claeys and, in consultation, we made that decision," Coyle said. "Please understand that student privacy laws prevent me from talking about specific students or situations."
But attorney Lee Hutton, who represents five of those players, said via Twitter the allegations stem from the same Sept. 2 incident that led to a suspension at that time.
According to police reports and court documents, that incident was a sexual encounter at a Dinkytown apartment. Minneapolis police investigated, and the Hennepin County Attorney's Office decided not to press charges in the case.
In a redacted police report, police note the sexual encounter appeared consensual in three videos recorded during the act.
The woman also filed a restraining order against five players in October, which she dismissed with the agreement the men would stay 20 feet away from her.
Injustice can never equal justice. Gopher stated never appreciated. #formergopher
— Attorney, Lee Hutton (@LeeHuttonIII) December 14, 2016
Now the University has indefinitely suspended those five players and five more - Kobe McCrary, Antonio Shenault, Mark Williams, Antoine Winfield Junior and Seth Green.
"Obviously there was a certain group right? And all of a sudden now there's a new group. So (the players) are frustrated," Sawvel said. "I know one of the persons that I talked to last night was not there. So he's in the situation, but look, he's been in the program for a while and I trust him. He wasn't even there. So let's leave it at that."
Via Twitter, Hutton wrote he would file an appeal on behalf of all 10 athletes. He also said if necessary, he will seek judicial intervention to stay the University's punishment until that appeal is heard so the athletes can take part in the Holiday Bowl December 27, when the Gophers take on Washington State.
Hutton added late Wednesday afternoon that he plans to meet with U administrators on Thursday.