Following Nebraska's recent rash of run-ins with the law, Cornhuskers' head coach Bo Pelini called a team meeting Monday night to discuss the matter where he informed his team of a "zero-tolerance policy."
Over the weekend, Nebraska offensive lineman Andy Christensen was arrested on suspicion of first-degree sexual assault for an incident at a Lincoln bar. Christensen has been suspended from the team.
Less than 24 hours later, police ticketed offensive lineman Mike Smith and defensive lineman Ben Martin for their involvement with a party at a Lincoln residence. Former Husker players Maurice Purify and Carl Nicks were also issued tickets at the scene.
Also, Nebraska linebacker Nick Covey, 20, was ticketed for being a minor in possession of alcohol at a separate party.
"Every young man involved in an incident over the weekend is being dealt with on an individual basis," Pelini said in a statement issued by the Nebraska sports information department. "A few players have been indefinitely suspended from the team, while others have been disciplined internally."
Pelini said in his statement that he met with the entire team Monday night and clearly explained to them that from that point forward, the Nebraska football program will have a "zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol and social responsibility."
"Our players understand the intent of this rule and what we are trying to accomplish," Pelini said. "Therefore, any violation will be handled individually as it pertains to the specific circumstance.
"Our players also understand that certain establishments are off limits and that the policy also pertains to their behavior in other social settings. I made it clear to them that our policy will be strictly enforced."
Nebraska athletics director Tom Osborne also issued a statement.
"Alcohol abuse and binge drinking continues to be the number one problem affecting college students today," Osborne said. "Educating our student-athletes regarding these issues is a priority for our athletic department. Last week we had a mandatory student-athlete meeting where alcohol abuse was the primary topic.
"We expect our student-athletes to go beyond the education process and to be good role models acting appropriately at all times. We do not take these recent violations of alcohol abuse lightly."
Pelini said he, his coaching staff and Osborne are all in agreement on the policy.
"The culture of this program will be one centered on respect, integrity and discipline," Pelini said. "We all agree that culture must extend well beyond the football field."
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