Michigan State Football Players Dismissed Amid Sexual Assault Allegations
([Michigan State football dismisses three players who were charged with sexual assault – The Washington
In 2017, Michigan State University (MSU) dismissed three football players—Josh King, Donnie Corley Jr., and Demetric Vance—following serious sexual assault allegations stemming from an incident in January of that year. The trio faced criminal charges and were found to have violated the university’s Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct policy, leading to their expulsion from the university. ([Three former Michigan State football players accused of sexual assault dismissed from university – ESPN]
The incident occurred at an on-campus apartment, where a woman accused the players of sexual assault. According to court testimonies, King allegedly initiated the assault and facilitated the involvement of Corley and Vance. Evidence, including video footage, was reportedly found on King’s phone. All three players initially denied involvement but later admitted to having sexual contact with the woman. ([Dismissed Michigan State players receive three years’ probation as part of plea deal –
([Michigan State football dismisses three players who were charged with sexual assault – The Washington Post]
In response to the allegations, MSU suspended the players from team activities and removed them from on-campus housing. A staff member associated with the football program was also suspended. The university retained a law firm to investigate the football program’s compliance with university policies and hired a Title IX consultant to conduct a separate investigation. ([MSU suspends 3 football players in sex assault probe | AP News]
[Michigan State University suspends 3 football players amid sex assault allegations – CBS News]
In June 2017, the players were formally dismissed from the football team. Subsequently, they accepted plea deals, pleading guilty to lesser charges. Each received three years of probation and was required to undergo sexual offender treatment. ([Former Michigan State football players accept plea deal in sexual assault case [Dismissed Michigan State players receive three years’ probation as part of plea deal –
The case highlighted concerns about the university’s handling of sexual misconduct allegations and led to increased scrutiny of MSU’s policies and procedures. It also underscored the importance of accountability and the need for institutions to uphold standards that ensure the safety and well-being of all students. ([Michigan State suspends 3 football players in sex assault probe – Big Ten Network]
MSU’s Athletic Director at the time emphasized the university’s commitment to addressing such issues, stating, “Sexual assault is unacceptable, and members of MSU Athletics who fail to uphold our standards… will be held accountable.” ([Michigan State University suspends 3 football players amid sex assault allegations –
The dismissal of the three players served as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating university policies and the legal system’s role in addressing such serious allegations.
