Four football players from the University of Notre Dame are being withheld from practices and games under the suspicion of academic misconduct.

The players are being investigated on possibly submitting papers and school work that they did not author.

The players were identified as cornerback KeiVarae Russell, wide receiver DaVaris Daniels, defensive end Ishaq Williams, and linebacker Kendall Moore.

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While Notre Dame University President Rev. John Jenkins and athletic director Jack Swarbick acknowledged that they were the four players being held out of participating in the team, they vehemently denied dismissals or suspensions have taken place, with the honor-code investigation still in its early stages.

The alleged academic misconduct was found out last July. Since then, they had brought it to the attention of the NCAA and began investigating the matter.

"Integrity is at the heart of our mission and academic misconduct will not be tolerated at Notre Dame," Jenkins said in a statement.

"If the suspected improprieties are proven, we will use the experience to reinforce among our students the importance of honesty in all that they do. We are also examining ways of better conveying to students that they can avail themselves of legitimate academic assistance without resorting to cheating."

Jenkins went on to say that Notre Dame would vacate victories if investigations determine that these players were ineligible during past competitions.

No timeline has been placed for the investigation, which also puts the four student-athletes out indefinitely.

Last year, quarterback Everett Golson missed the season after being suspended for what he called "poor academic judgement." Golson's suspension served to derail Notre Dame's 2013 season.

With the current roster of players withheld for supposed academic misconduct, it could potentially affect the current season as well.

The Fighting Irish are scheduled to open their 2014 season at home against Rice on Aug. 30.

TagsNotre Dame, Fighting Irish, KeiVarae Russel, DaVaris Daniels, Ishaq Williams, Kendall Moore