Five Rutgers football players have been dismissed from the team, just two days after they were indefinitely suspended following their arrests.
Sophomore defensive back Dre Boggs, 20, was arrested on the most serious charges -- of robbery, burglary while armed and conspiracy to commit an armed robbery. Junior defensive back Nadir Barnwell, junior defensive back Ruhann Peele, sophomore fullback Razohnn Gross and junior defensive back Delon Stephenson were charged with aggravated assault, riot and conspiracy to commit a riot.
Athletic director Julie Hermann announced their indefinite suspensions Thursday. The decision to dismiss them was made public just minutes before Rutgers' noon kickoff against Norfolk State.
The prosecutor's office said the assault involving four Rutgers players was an "unprovoked attack" that left one 19-year-old student with a broken jaw. Boggs was charged after allegedly forcing himself inside a home and stealing $900 in cash and an undisclosed amount of marijuana. Police also determined Boggs attempted another home invasion but fled when the targets locked their door.
Bail was set Thursday at $500,000 for Boggs; $75,000 for Stephenson and $25,000 for the others.
Peele, Gross and Stephenson were expected to play critical roles during the 2015 season. Barnwell also started in six games last season and made headlines less than a week ago. Head coach Kyle Flood allegedly contacted one of Barnwell's professors, reportedly against the advice of the academic support staff, in the hope that Barnwell could complete extra work for an improved grade.