The developing case involving five key Notre Dame football players has taken one step closer to the end of the investigation. Starting cornerback KeiVarae Russell will miss the remainder of the season after the school found sufficient evidence regarding his specific academic violation. It remains unclear whether or not the school will further punish Russell academically.
“Though disappointed in the decision the school has just recently made after two long months of waiting for a decision to come, I accept it and will make sure I spend my time away efficiently,” Russell said.
Through his first two seasons as a member of the Fighting Irish, Russell has started all 26 games excelling at cornerback. Last season, he totaled 109 tackles, three interceptions and a fumble recovery.
Russell has been suspended from all team activities since the story first broke back on August 15. The entire fan base has been waiting on the edge of their seat for the final verdict, and Russell being suspended doesn’t shed promising light on the other four players involved.
Head coach Brian Kelly, however, seemed optimistic that the results for the other four players will be different.
Despite the suspension, Russell remains enrolled at Notre Dame and plans on returning to the team next season. Still, the option of declaring for the NFL Draft is a possibility although at this moment in time it appears unlikely.
*Section Photo credit to Darron Cummings, Assoicated Press; Featured Photo (above) credit to Kirby Lee, USA Today Sports
