Late last month, Vanderbilt dismissed four players thought to be connected to an alleged sex crimes case at a campus dorm. Given the nature of the situation, none of the names were released at the time.
That has since changed. In a news release, Vanderbilt announced that Brandon Banks, Cory Batey, Jaborian “Tip” McKenzie and Brandon Vandenburg will not be a part of the 2013 roster. Officially, the university cites the decision based on a “violation of team rules.”
The release also pointed to the updated roster for the 2013 season.
Below is the statement from head coach James Franklin:“For student athletes at Vanderbilt, it is a privilege, not a right, to be a part of the program. My coaching staff and I make sure every member of our team understands that. We insist on high standards of personal responsibility and integrity, and there are consequences when those standards are not met.
“In dealing with this matter, the Commodores football team will continue to hold itself to the same high standards of responsibility and integrity Vanderbilt demands of all of our students.
“We are cooperating fully with the Nashville Police Department and have pledged not to say or do anything that could interfere with its work or compromise the rights of anyone involved. We have not prejudged anyone’s guilt or innocence.”
Banks and Batey were redshirt freshmen defensive backs who did not see playing time last season. McKenzie was a three-star wide receiver in Vanderbilt’s 2012 class and Vandenburg, a tight end, joined the Commodores in 2013 as a junior college transfer.
Franklin will be present for SEC Media Days this Thursday.