Notre Dame investigating four players for academic misconduct

Notre Dame announced on Friday that four football players are under investigation for academic improprieties.

University officials met with starting wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, starting defensive back KeiVarae Russell, starting defensive lineman Ishaq Williams and backup linebacker Kendall Moore on Friday morning, according to two sources with knowledge of the situation.

The investigation centers around "academic dishonesty." The university stated it is looking into: "Evidence that students had submitted papers and homework that had been written for them by others." The football players will be held out of practice and competition until the investigation is resolved.

The investigation and potential loss of the players looms large, especially on the heels of a year in which the highest-profile Fighting Irish football and men’s basketball players, quarterback Everett Golson and guard Jerian Grant, were dismissed from the school for separate academic issues. Both have re-enrolled on campus and will play this season.

The investigation was first reported by Yahoo! Sports.