Unnamed Michigan State Football Player Suspended Amid Police Investigation

An unnamed Michigan State University football player has been suspended by the Spartans amid a criminal sexual misconduct investigation.

Chris Solari of the Detroit Free Press passed along word of the police probe from the Ingham County Prosecutors' Office. MSU president Lou Anna K. Simon confirmed the athlete involved is under suspension from the team, per Kyle Austin‏ of MLive.com.

The investigation is still in its early stages. A spokesperson for the Ingham County Prosecutors' Office told Austin: "No evidentiary materials have been submitted to the prosecutor and no court filings have been made in the case."

Spartans head coach Mark Dantonio released a statement, per Austin: 

No further information was provided about the allegation, which is being investigated by Meridian Township Police. The township includes a portion of East Lansing, Michigan, which is the home of Michigan State University.

In February, Ken Palmer and Matt Mencarini of the Lansing State Journal reported three football players and one staff member were suspended as part of a separate sexual assault investigation related to allegations from late January.

MSU athletic director Mark Hollis released a statement about the situation in late February:

"

The core values of MSU Athletics are clear, consistently communicated and non-negotiable. Among them are respect for self and others, accountability for actions and choices, and integrity. Sexual assault is unacceptable, and members of MSU Athletics who fail to uphold our standards for creating a culture that is safe, supportive, and responsive to those affected by it will be held accountable. My expectation of all members of the department is full and complete cooperation with all investigations.

We have a strong athletics program at MSU, one based on values, traditions, and an understanding that as Spartans we are part of something bigger. Our promise to current and future student-athletes and to the entire Spartan community is to take the steps necessary, based on the facts determined through thorough review, to run this program according to the highest values and standards.

"

Dantonio confirmed Wednesday more players had been placed under suspension since the team's April 1 spring game, per Solari.

"Well, we red-lock people from time to time. We use the term red-lock for various things," he said. "So yes, there has been. That's a constant. There is constant people in and out of different situations. I think that is normal."

Dantonio didn't provide any more details about the individual status of any player, though.