Gopher Football Players Investigated for Alleged Sexual Assault

Clockwise from Top Left: KiAnte Hardin, Ray Buford, Dior Johnson, Tamarion Johnson

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minneapolis police are trying to determine whether four Minnesota football players who were suspended from last weekend’s game against Indiana State were involved in an alleged sexual assault.

The assault allegedly occurred early on Sept. 3, hours after the Golden Gophers opened the season with a victory over Oregon State. Coach Tracy Claeys suspended cornerbacks KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford, safety Dior Johnson and defensive end Tamarion Johnson for the Indiana State game on Saturday for violating unspecified team rules.

Police on Monday confirmed that the names of those four players have come up in their investigation, but they provided no further details. It was unclear if the players are considered potential witnesses or suspected of being involved. They have not been charged.

The Gophers are off this week. They next play at home against Colorado State on Sept. 24.