Gopher Football Players Accused of Sex Assault Reinstated

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The four suspended players on Minnesota's defense have been reinstated to the team.

Coach Tracy Claeys said cornerbacks KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford, safety Dior Johnson and defensive end Tamarion Johnson would return to practice Tuesday. Claeys stopped short of confirming they would suit up for Saturday's game against Iowa. He called their status "day by day."

The players were first held out against Indiana State on Sept. 10 and missed three games. They were under investigation for an alleged sexual assault, but the Hennepin County Attorney's office announced Monday it had insufficient evidence to prove a crime occurred. No charges were filed.

Hardin, a sophomore, started the opener against Oregon State. The other players are reserves.