Thirteen University of Louisiana at Lafayette football players were charged with criminal conspiracy to commit felony theft in connection with an alleged dorm room burglary, according to university police in late April 2017.
Authorities say the players entered Huger Hall on April 5 and took about $2,400 worth of items from another student’s dorm room. Police said surveillance video helped identify the players and that all of the stolen items were recovered.
The university suspended all 13 players indefinitely, citing a violation of team rules without discussing the criminal case. Reports said eight of the players were expected to start in the upcoming season, including linebacker Joe Dillon.
Head coach Mark Hudspeth apologized on behalf of the program in a statement, adding, “We will be respectful of the legal process as it runs its course.” The players were reported to have been released on bond. They had not publicly commented on the charges, which are allegations, and the players are presumed innocent.
