Notre Dame players under investigation will not play in opener

As expected, Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly confirmed the four players involved in the university's academic investigation will not play in Saturday's season opener against Rice.

Wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, linebacker Kendall Moore, cornerback KeiVarae Russell and defensive end Ishaq Williams were suspended from team activities Aug. 15 as part of Notre Dame's investigation into potential academic improprieties. The ban extends to practice and games, though the four players are still welcome to be around the team's facilities.

Kelly said he hasn't received an update from the university on a timetable of when the investigation will be completed, but explained that he hasn't been frustrated by the process.

"I did not feel in this instance that I was at any time left out of the loop, felt as though I was blindsided by a long investigation," Kelly said. "I think the information that was ascertained in this matter was pretty straightforward. It was quick, and once they were able to kind of confirm the information, Jack (Swarbrick) let me know. So at no time did I feel that."

Kelly has prior experience with one of his players violating Notre Dame's honor code and getting expelled -- that being Everett Golson's situation in 2013 -- and recognizes the university will conduct its investigation independently of athletics.

Ever since the four players were removed from team activities, Kelly and the Irish have practiced as if they wouldn't have Daniels, Moore, Russell and Williams for at least the Rice game. Students returned to campus this week -- Notre Dame's first day of class was Tuesday -- meaning the process will move forward at some point, though it's unclear how quickly that will happen.

Kelly said he'd seek out an update after this week on the investigation if he doesn't get one, but doesn't expect to have much difficulty in being apprised of information he needs to know.

"I'm sure Jack will inform me once he gets information," Kelly said. "He's pretty good at getting right back with me, so not something where I feel like I gotta pick up the phone if there is a disconnect with information. Jack works great with immediately getting me information that is needed relative to making decisions for our football team."

-- JJ Stankevitz, CSNChicago.com