Hennepin County Declines Charges Against Gopher Football Players

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Four University of Minnesota football players suspended for a violation of team rules last month won't face criminal charges, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office said Monday.

Gophers players Kiante Hardin, Ray Buford, Dior Johnson and Tamarion Johnson were all suspended before Minnesota's 58-28 win over Indiana State three weeks ago. Details of the case potentially involving the players have not been released, but the Hennepin County Attorney's Office said Monday that based on the evidence available, they are declining to file charges.

Authorities say there is insufficient evidence, admissible evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that either force was used or that a victim was physically helpless as defined by law in a sexual encounter.

It's not known if the suspensions of the four players will be lifted. Coach Tracy Claeys will speak to the media at his weekly appearance on Tuesday.

The Gophers host Iowa on Saturday at TCF Bank Stadium and are coming off a 26-23 overtime loss at Penn State.