3 Purdue football players expelled following investigation

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A statement released Friday by Massillamany & Jeter LLP, a Hamilton County law firm, announced three Purdue University football players were expelled from the school.

According to the press release, the expulsion occurred after an investigation by Purdue's Administrative Board regarding an alleged incident in October of 2016. The incident involved allegations of sexual assault committed by football players at an off-campus location, as previously reported by the Journal & Courier.

Although assault charges were not levied against the athletes, one of the two female victims retained legal council from the Massillamany & Jeter firm. The victim and her family hoped to have the football players expelled.

"Purdue has taken the necessary steps to ensure that these players will not victimize another student, for which we are grateful,” Mario Massillamany, a partner at the firm, said in the prepared statement.

"I think the families and the victims feel vindicated that the school took the proper steps. We felt law enforcement really did not and kind of tried to bury the story," Massillamany added Saturday afternoon.

Purdue University officials are unable to  specifically comment on the expulsions, but said it takes all allegations of sexual misconduct seriously.

"Federal law prohibits the university from releasing specific information regarding disciplinary sanctions against a student, however, we reiterate that Purdue takes any report of sexual assault seriously. The university consistently follows its processes to ensure the rights of all parties involved are respected," the University said in a statement provided by Brian Zink, senior director of news and information.

Call J&C reporter Emma Ea Ambrose at 765-431-1192. Follow her on Twitter: @emma_ea_ambrose.