College Football

Report: Minnesota football boycotting to protest teammates' suspensions

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:49 p.m. ET

Sports Illustrated, SI Wire/Sports Illustrated

Minnesota football players will reportedly boycott practice and their bowl game in protest of 10 players being suspended this week, the Star Tribune reports.

Players plan to sit out all activities until their teammates are reinstated. The 10 players were suspended as the result of a September sexual assault investigation, and five face expulsion from the university. No charges or arrests were made in wake of the criminal investigation.

The entire team is reportedly united in their sentiment.

The Star Tribune reports the university's Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action office recommended expulsion for players Ray Buford, Carlton Djam, KiAnte Hardin, Dior Johnson and Tamarion Johnson, one-year suspension for Seth Green, Kobe McCrary, Mark Williams and Antoine Winfield Jr., and probation for another player, Antonio Shenault.

It is unclear whether or not head coach Tracy Claeys will support the players after the university told boosters he chose to levy the punishments. The Star Tribune reported Claeys is expected to support the boycott, and the decision came from a higher-up.

The Gophers are set to play Washington State Dec. 27 in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.