RALEIGH -- NC State football has officially dismissed freshmen Antoine Thompson and Kevince Brown while suspending Isaiah Moore, Erin Collins and Xavier Lyas stemming from an on-campus gathering involving alcohol and marijuana, according to officials.

The five freshmen were involved in a July 21 gathering in a student's room at Wolf Village. The students were investigated following a sexual assault allegation after the on-campus party.

According to officials, preliminary disciplinary action was taken by head coach Dave Doeren for the violations of the student-athlete code of conduct and football team rules. Doeren then decided to dismiss Brown and Thompson from the team and suspended the other players from game play. The actions are not regarding the allegations of sexual assault, police noted.

Pack Pride has obtained the following statement from Wolf Village from NC State Athletics:

Investigation Update from NC State University NC State University Police have nearly concluded their investigation into sexual assault allegations stemming from a July 21 gathering at Wolf Village, and have turned over evidence to the Wake County District Attorney’s Office. NC State Police Chief Jack Moorman today approved release of the following preliminary details. Investigators determined that five freshman football players participated in the on-campus gathering where alcohol and marijuana were present.

The police investigation has been conducted independent of Athletics. Athletics staff have fully cooperated with police, but at no time took part in or had influence in the investigation.

University Police provided updated information to the university’s Title IX and Student Conduct offices on August 8, and per normal procedures, the information was shared with Athletics that same day. Athletics took disciplinary action regarding the five players on August 9 and 10 based on the information provided.

The gathering was held in a student’s room, and was not an athletics-sanctioned event. The gathering was not approved or known by football personnel. The student athletes were on campus for summer classes. NC State remains dedicated to providing thorough criminal and Title IX investigations of this case while ensuring due process and appropriate support for all those involved. Following are a few details about the criminal investigation process. Upon receipt of the reports on July 22, NC State Police immediately began interviewing individuals involved and collecting evidence.

University Police have collaborated continuously with the District Attorney’s Office.

University Police officers have spent approximately 800 hours working on the investigation, conducted several interviews, executed numerous search warrants, searched the residence as well as mobile phones for evidence, and reviewed video from campus security cameras. The investigation has three areas of potential actions. Possible criminal charges brought as a result of the criminal investigation.

Separate from the criminal investigation, university administrators are conducting a Title IX investigation to determine if there were violations of the Code of Student Conduct. When the Title IX investigation is complete, evidence collected will then be provided to the Office of Student Conduct which determines any relevant code of conduct charges.

Additional disciplinary actions for student athletes for violation of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct and team rules. For next steps, University Police are following up on a few additional pieces of information, and university administrators are moving forward with the separate Title IX investigation. NC State remains committed to ensuring a campus environment that is safe, inclusive and welcoming, and to hold accountable students whose conduct is in violation of the Code of Student Conduct.

NC State police chief Jack Moorman also spoke to the media about the ongoing investigation.

“We have a locker room full of young men committed to representing our University with integrity and respect, and have created a strong culture for NC State Football through our leadership program," Doeren said in a statement. "We had five freshmen, two of whom have been dismissed, who made poor decisions that don’t align with the values of our program and each has been handled accordingly.

"Although I’ve disciplined these players for violations of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct, I want to make it clear that I respect due process in the University and legal proceedings. Our players understand that I’m going be firm, but fair when it comes to discipline.”

Thompson came to NC State as a heralded wide receiver, joining Brown as two of eight commits from Florida. Of the five players disciplined, only Moore committed to NC State from outside the state of Florida.

No criminal charges have been filed in the case, prompting Athletics Director Debbie Yow to issue the following statement.

“The culture we have established and continue to reinforce to our student athletes, staff and coaches is one that expects integrity and accountability in all we do. When that culture is threatened through violations of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct or Team Rules, disciplinary actions must be imposed. Participation in intercollegiate athletics is a privilege, not a right.

"The football players who violated the Student Athlete Code of Conduct and Football Team Rules have been disciplined by Coach Doeren, with my full support. Coach Doeren continues to responsibly manage difficult circumstances in an appropriate and forthcoming manner, which is greatly appreciated. Two have been dismissed from the team and are no longer enrolled at NC State, and three others have received suspensions from competition, as well as other discipline. These actions are not regarding allegations of sexual assault. We reserve the right to impose additional sanctions if new violations are discovered.

Should any student-athlete be charged with sexual misconduct by legal authorities, he will immediately be suspended from the team. That said, it is extremely important to respect due process for the student-athletes.

To be clear, the actions taken by Athletics are separate from any that might be imposed by the University or legal authorities. We fully support those processes.”