Barring a sudden change of events in the next 18 hours or so, Minnesota will be without five players for Saturday's game against Rutgers due to restraining orders.
The Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that three Gopher players -- cornerbacks KiAnte Hardin and Ray Buford and safety Dior Johnson -- have been subjected to restraining orders stemming from a possible connection to an allegation of sexual assault in early September. This follows a Thursday report in which two other players, defensive lineman Tamarion Johnson and running back Carlton Djam, were also issued restraining orders.
Hardin, Buford, Dior Johnson and Tamarion Johnson were suspended in mid-September for violating team rules as police investigated the alleged incident, which occurred on Sept. 2 following Minnesota's game against Oregon State and involved a woman who works at TCF Bank Stadium on game days.
The players were suspended for three games, but no arrests were made and no charges were filed due to a lack of sufficient evidence.
As for the restraining orders, the five players will not be permitted to attend home games as TCF Bank Stadium "is listed as one of two restricted addresses in the restraining orders." However, attorney Lee Hutton, who represents all five players, told the Star-Tribune he expects the orders to be overturned at a Tuesday hearing.
Hardin leads the team with two interceptions and played in 13 games last year. The four other players have played sparingly or are listed as reserves.
