Two separate incidents led to six arrests of Notre Dame football players.
A car of five Irish players—Tev’on Coney, Max Redfield, Kevin Stepherson, Ashton White and Dexter Williams—were all arrested on suspicion of marijuana possession after being stopped by a State Trooper in Fulton County on U.S. 31, south of South Bend after being stopped for speeding. Additional charges were filed against Redfield, Stepherson and Williams for possession of a handgun without a license.
Senior Devin Butler was arrested just after midnight at the Linebacker Lounge, a popular bar just off of campus. He was booked for resisting a police officer and battery against a police officer.
They are the first arrests in three years for the Notre Dame football program and come at a critical time heading into the opening weekend of the football season with Texas scheduled for next Sunday.
The off-field repercussions from this are still unknown. Notre Dame’s disciplinary process has certainly changed in recent years, though the timing of this incident will likely lead to suspensions or perhaps even dismissals. The addition of a misdemeanor weapon charges adds a level of severity we haven’t seen in recent years.
The on-field impact of this is still unknown. Butler was injured and not expected back for some time. Of the five players arrested in the car, Redfield’s role was the most prominent, the team’s starter at free safety—and a week after his head coach praised his consistency and maturity.The other four all received praise during fall camp, none starters but all expected to play a role in Notre Dame’s plans.
Brian Kelly has not released a comment yet. Students returned to campus this weekend with the academic year scheduled to start Tuesday. Notre Dame is next at practice on Monday.