N.C. State players disciplined Tuesday
Five North Carolina State University football players faced disciplinary action this week after further investigation into a July 21 party. Two have ties to the Plant City area.
The university announced Tuesday that freshman Antoine Thompson was one of two players dismissed from the team and that freshman Xavier Lyas was one of three handed suspensions, according to a CBS North Carolina report. Thompson graduated from Plant City High School and Lyas graduated from Durant High School.
Kevince Brown, formerly of Winter Park High School, was also dismissed from the team. Former Armwood running back Erin Collins and Chesterfield, Va. native Isaiah Moore were suspended.
Action was taken after an investigation into sexual assault allegations made by three women who attended the party, which was reported to have been hosted by a player, though Athletic Director Debbie Yow said in a statement that the punishments “are not regarding allegations of sexual assault.” According to a Raleigh News & Observer report, none of the players are facing criminal charges but the investigation is ongoing.
Alcohol and marijuana were present at the party, according to campus police, and there were around a dozen people reported to have been there. The five players were found to be in violation of N.C. State’s Student-Athlete Code of Conduct, which requires athletes to follow the state’s alcohol laws. All of the players are under age 21.
“We had five freshmen, two of whom have been dismissed, who made poor decisions that don’t align with the values of our program and each has been handled accordingly,” head coach Dave Doeren said in a statement. “Although I’ve disciplined these players for violations of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct, I want to make it clear that I respect due process in the University and legal proceedings. Our players understand that I’m going be firm, but fair when it comes to discipline.”
Tri-Star Punt, Pass, Kick
Also coming soon to the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex is the annual Optimist Football Tri-Star Punt, Pass and Kick Competition.
The PPK event, to be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Sept. 30, is free and open to all children age 6 through 15 as of Sept. 30. Boys and girls compete separately and those in the flag football program may compete after their 8:30 a.m. game or before their 9:45/11 a.m. game.
Registration may be done on site before the start of the competition. All participants must wear sneakers. Cleats, open-toed shoes, sandals and bare feet are not allowed. Competition winners will be announced at 11 a.m.
Football frenzy
If you haven’t noticed, today is the first regular-season week of high school football action. That also means the 2017 Football Guide has hit the streets.
Every year, the guide is the Plant City area’s most comprehensive look at Durant, Plant City and Strawberry Crest’s football programs. This year’s is no different. Check it out to learn everything you need to know about your favorite teams for the upcoming 2017 season.
For even more high school football coverage, look no further than PlantCityObserver.com on Thursday afternoons — the Gridiron Report podcast, hosted by Sports/Associate Editor Justin Kline, is back to give fans a fresh perspective on each week’s Game of the Week and the rest of the slate.