The Notre Dame football program’s image took a few hits this weekend, as six players were arrested in two separate incidents.
On Friday night, five members of the Notre Dame football team were arrested after a traffic stop in Fulton County, Indiana. Initially pulled over for speeding, cops smelled marijuana in the car, and brought in the police dog. Not only did they find marijuana, but also a loaded handgun.
Ashton White, Max Redfield, Kevin Stepherson Jr., Dexter Williams, and Te’Von Coney were all charged with possession of marijuana. Redfield, Stepherson Jr., and Williams are also being charged with possession of a handgun without a license.
Early Saturday morning, Notre Dame cornerback Devin Butler was arrested on preliminary charges of battery to law enforcement, and resisting law enforcement. The incident happened at the Linebacker Lounge, which is a popular spot for college students in South Bend. Butler was arrested at 12:28 in the morning.
The Observer, Notre Dame’s student newspaper, first reported the story.
As of Saturday morning, Butler was still being held at St. Joseph County Jail. The senior cornerback was expected to miss at least the first couple of games for the Fighting Irish, as he is still coming back from a broken left foot this summer. Butler broke the same foot last season, prior to Notre Dame’s appearance in the Fiesta Bowl.
Prior to breaking his foot for the second time, Butler was slated to challenge for a full-time position in the Notre Dame secondary. Now, with the injury and the arrest, it is very foggy about what his role will be on the team.
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Notre Dame will get a huge test right out of the gate in 2016, as they travel to Texas to face the Texas Longhorns on September 4. The Irish always have one of the tougher schedules in the nation, as they are an Independent who can play whoever. Some of their contests this season include on the road against USC, and home games against Michigan State, Virginia Tech, and Stanford.