Purdue suspends four football players as they investigate sexual assault allegation

Purdue has suspended four football players due to an investigation of sexual assault allegations by two female students, but prosecutors say they won’t file charges.

The school said Wednesday the incident occurred Oct. 13. It didn’t identify the players and said federal law prevented it from commenting further.

The female students’ attorney, Mario Massillamany, says the sexual assaults occurred at an off-campus house where the players lived. He says his clients reported the assaults to Purdue authorities and the West Lafayette Police Department.

“Purdue University takes very seriously all reports of sexual assault,” the university said in a statement. “The university acted immediately to initiate an investigation upon receiving allegations from two female Purdue students relating to an incident on October 13, 2016. That investigation is ongoing.

The University has devoted extensive resources to support those students. The four accused students have been suspended from the Purdue football team, pending the outcome of the investigation. Under federal law, no further information can be released by Purdue with respect to the accused students at this time.”

Tippecanoe County Prosecutor Pat Harrington said in a statement that his office won’t file criminal charges after reviewing the evidence. He also said the players cooperated with investigators.

The female students aren’t considering a lawsuit but want the players expelled.