Indiana football dismisses top tackler Antonio Allen after drug arrest

(AP) Indiana University kicked starting safety Antonio Allen off the football team Wednesday after his arrest on drug-dealing charges.

Athletic department officials made the announcement in a one-sentence statement less than 24 hours after Indiana State Police charged the Indianapolis native with five counts of drug dealing.

He faces two charges each of dealing methamphetamine and dealing heroin and one count of dealing cocaine. Allen also was charged with possession of heroin over 10 grams, possession of cocaine and maintaining a common nuisance. State police arrested the 20-year-old junior after searching Allen's residence in Bloomington.

The dismissal takes effect immediately, the statement said.

Allen led the Hoosiers with 74 tackles in 2014 and was expected to play a key role on what coach Kevin Wilson hopes will be an improved defense.