Michigan State dismisses Auston Robertson after sexual conduct charge

Michigan State dismissed defensive lineman Auston Robertson, the school announced Friday, just hours after it was reported Robertson had been charged with criminal sexual conduct.

"The criminal sexual conduct charges announced today against Auston Robertson are of the most serious nature," head coach Mark Dantonio said in a statement. "Sexual assault has no place in our community. While there is an ongoing criminal process, we're extremely disappointed that Auston put himself in this position.

"He is no longer a member of our football program."

The charge stems from an April 9 incident, and is unrelated to an ongoing investigation that led to the suspension of three unidentified players and an anonymous program staffer, according to Kyle Austin of MLive.com.

Criminal sexual conduct in the third degree is a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

"Due to the charges he was facing during his recruitment, we took precaution in allowing Auston to be part of our football program, including a thorough vetting, which we acknowledged publicly at his signing. This was a multiple-step process that continued through his final admission in the summer," said Dantonio.

Robertson was arrested and faced a misdemeanor battery charge in January 2016 over a 2015 incident in high school in which he allegedly improperly touched a female classmate. After entering a diversionary program in March 2016, the charge was dropped, the Detroit Free Press reports, citing court records.

Robertson's signing with the Spartans was announced shortly thereafter.

The 19-year-old recorded three tackles and one forced fumble as a freshman last season.