Some details have emerged regarding an off-field issue involving a pair of Notre Dame football players that will have an on-field impact on the team.
The Fighting Irish announced Wednesday that two of its playing members, wide receiver Kevin Stepherson and running back C.J. Holmes, had been indefinitely suspended from all team activities. Per WNDU.com, the suspensions came nearly a week after they were arrested for shoplifting less than $150 worth of merchandise from a local Macy’s department store.
From the website:Stepherson was arrested for shoplifting a pair of sweatpants from Macy’s at the University Park Mall in Mishawaka. He was picked up walking out of the store wearing an allegedly stolen $59 pair of Nautica sweatpants. Holmes had a $79 North Face coat.
The two were taken to the Macy’s Security office and released after being notified of their proxy arrest. As is procedure in these cases, they were not taken to jail or booked. The case has been sent to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office, who will determine if charges will be filed.
The bad news for Stepherson is that he’s already on probation for a marijuana arrest last August. Additionally, he was suspended for the first four games this season for reasons unrelated to the first arrest.
“The University is aware of this incident and is confident that it will be handled appropriately by the criminal justice system,” a statement from a school spokesperson began. “University discipline is handled privately, in accord with our own policies and federal law.”
Stepherson currently leads the Fighting Irish in receiving touchdowns with five and yards per catch at 18.9. His 19 receptions and 359 receiving yards are both good for third on the team.