Notre Dame dismisses Redfield, suspends Butler after arrests

In a stunningly bold move, Notre Dame has dismissed standout safety Max Redfield and indefinitely suspended cornerback Devin Butler for their separate arrests over the weekend.

"During the past 24 hours, I have met with each of the members of our team involved in the two incidents that occurred over the weekend, reviewed the evidence available to me, and consulted with others involved in the leadership of our team and the university," head coach Brian Kelly said in a prepared statement. "That process has only served to deepen my disappointment in the poor decisions made by these young men. Their conduct fell far short of what we expect from those who represent our football team and this great university."

Kelly added that the four players arrested with Redfield will remain on the team, but will be subjected to internal discipline. Redfield, along with linebacker Te'Von Coney, running back Dexter Williams, cornerback Ashton White, and wide receiver Kevin Stepherson were charged Friday with possession of marijuana. Redfield, Williams, and Stepherson were also charged with possession of a handgun without a license.

The decision to boot Redfield has massive implications for Notre Dame, which plays its first game of the new season in exactly two weeks.

Redfield was arguably Notre Dame's top returning defensive player. He was fourth on the team last year in tackles with 60, adding an interception. The coaching staff recently asserted its confidence in the two-year starter's ability to develop into more of a leader on and off the field.

However, the senior has landed in trouble several times throughout his college career. Most recently, he was sent home from last season's Fiesta Bowl because of off-field issues.

Butler was also expected to be a significant contributor to the defense, though he's still about a month away from being physically able to return from a foot injury. The cornerback posted 11 tackles in an injury-riddled junior campaign.

Butler is facing felony charges for battery against a police officer and resisting an officer. Notre Dame said in a statement Saturday that any player charged with a felony could be subject to a dismissal from the program.