NDSU: Softball players sanctioned, Cass prosecutors reviewing reports

FARGO — Sanctions have been levied against North Dakota State University softball players, and a campus investigation involving one or more members of the team has been sent to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office for review, school officials said Friday.

The sanctions, which include game suspensions, are a result of violations of team rules and athletic department policies at a team party and at a separate altercation on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, the university said in a written statement.

The suspensions will range from three to up to 10 games.

“I am extremely disappointed in the actions of our athletes,” said head softball coach Darren Mueller.

“We pride ourselves on a disciplined program and their behavior does not represent the standards and expectations that have been set,” Mueller said in the written statement. “We will work with the athletic department and university personnel to further educate our athletes.”

Ray Boyer, director of the university’s police and safety office, said an investigation involving one or more softball players has been completed and sent to the Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office.

The state’s attorney’s office confirmed Friday that a case has been referred, but reports had yet to be reviewed.

Mueller said in his statement that no team activities are permitted and additional sanctions may be imposed later.

The university said that due to the ongoing investigation and federal student privacy laws, specific information could not be released.

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