Notre Dame has removed four likely starters from its football team in the midst of an investigation into academic fraud, a person with knowledge of the investigation who was not authorized to speak publicly told USA TODAY Sports.
The players are receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive back KeiVarae Russell, defensive lineman Ishaq Williams and linebacker Kendall Moore, the person said. It is unclear if their removal is permanent or whether they might be able to return to the team.
It also is unclear if the investigation is limited to football.
Daniels and Russell were important parts of the 2012 team, which finished the regular season 12-0. Under NCAA protocol, an honor code violation would mean the school could ultimately vacate victories.
Quarterback Everett Golson missed last season because of an academic issue. He has returned for this year and was named Thursday as the starter,'
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Amway Coaches Poll: College football preseason top 25 Entities 0 Name: KeiVarae Russell Count: 1 1 Name: Russell Count: 1 2 Name: Everett Golson Count: 1 3 Name: Daniels Count: 1 4 Name: Kendall Moore Count: 1 5 Name: DaVaris Daniels Count: 1 6 Name: Ishaq Williams Count: 1 Related 0 Url: http://ift.tt/1pbEwNG Title: USA TODAY Sports' preseason All-America college football team Description: USA TODAY Sports' college football staff has pored over rosters and depth charts across the Football Bowl Subdivision to identify the finest players in college football heading into the 2014 season. Each All-American team features 25 players: 11 on offense, 11 on defense, one kicker, one punter and one return specialist.