College Football

Vanderbilt reveals names of 4 players dismissed for rape allegations

None of the four players under investigation have played a down for the Commodores.

By Steven Muma@akulawolf Jul 15, 2013, 5:48pm EDT

Vanderbilt on Monday released the names of the four players who were kicked off the team and suspended from school after rape allegations against them surfaced last month. The four players are Brandon Banks, Cory Batey, Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie and Brandon Vandenburg.

More: Vanderbilt 2013 season preview. Comprehensive Vanderbilt football coverage.

The investigation into the alleged incident, which reportedly occurred in a dorm room on campus, is ongoing. The Metro Police Department's Sex Crimes Unit began its inquiry on June 26. In addition to the football players, six other student-athletes are reportedly involved.

Banks, Batey and McKenzie are all redshirt freshmen who were members of the Commodores' 2012 recruiting class. Banks and Batey are listed as defensive backs, while McKenzie is a wide receiver. Vandenburg is a junior college tight end who signed with Vanderbilt in February.

Head coach James Franklin issued this statement on the matter:

"For student athletes at Vanderbilt, it is a privilege, not a right, to be a part of the program. My coaching staff and I make sure every member of our team understands that. We insist on high standards of personal responsibility and integrity, and there are consequences when those standards are not met.

"In dealing with this matter,the Commodores football team will continue to hold itself to the same high standards of responsibility and integrity Vanderbilt demands of all of our students.

"We are cooperating fully with the Nashville Police Department and have pledged not to say or do anything that could interfere with its work or compromise the rights of anyone involved. We have not prejudged anyone's guilt or innocence."