Michigan State dismissed defensive end Auston Robertson from their football program, the school announced Friday, per BTN.com.
Robertson was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct before he was dismissed. Here's a press release, per the report:
"The criminal sexual conduct charges announced today against Auston Robertson are of the most serious nature. 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.
"Due to the charges he was facing during his recruitment, we took precaution in allowing Auston to be a 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.
"Following his arrival on campus, he underwent an extensive educational process with specific prerequisites put in place for his participation as a student-athlete. This included daily supervised sessions within the football program and regular meetings with university staff addressing appropriate behavior and developmental growth. He also successfully completed his one-year diversionary program as directed by the court, which included a 22-week course focused on behavior changes that began in Indiana and was transferred to the state of Michigan (Prevention and Training Services). Despite these measures, Auston broke our trust and expectations by putting himself in a compromising situation. "Our players are representatives not only of themselves and their families, but also Michigan State University, this football program and all of those who support us. We will continue to emphasize and enforce the high standards of integrity, respect and accountability that I have for everyone in this program. We expect all of our players to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and principles of this university."
Three other players are reportedly involved in the sexual assault investigation and have been suspended.
Robertson played in seven games as a freshman, totaling three tackles and one forced fumble.
He was involved in a battery case in Indiana before he landed in college. He was later brought into Michigan State in a "pretrial diversionary program." The case was eventually dismissed.
Robertson was a four-star recruit coming out of high school.
