Michigan State suspends 3 football players in sex assault probe

Three Michigan State University football players have been suspended from team activities and removed from on-campus housing as part of a sexual assault investigation.

A staff member associated with Michigan State's football program also has been suspended, school spokesman Jason Cody said Thursday in a release. Police are expected to forward reports in the case to the Ingham County prosecutor's office for possible criminal charges.

Read the school's Thursday statement here.

"As part of the criminal investigation, detectives are interviewing members of the coaching staff and other relevant individuals regarding their response since the complaint was made in late January," Cody said.

Names of the players were not released, but Cody said the school is retaining a law firm to conduct an investigation into "football program staff members' compliance with university policy in connection with the allegations."

A Title IX consultant also has been retained to conduct a separate investigation into whether MSU's Relationship Violence and Sexual Misconduct policy was violated.

"The core values of MSU athletics are clear, consistently communicated and non-negotiable," athletic director Mark Hollis said in the release. "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." The investigation at Michigan State comes after football programs at Baylor and Minnesota have been rocked by sexual assault allegations.