Former Winter Park player Kevince Brown dismissed from NC State football team
Former Winter Park football player Kevince Brown is one of two freshmen who were dismissed from the NC State football team Tuesday, and one of five players being investigated in connection with an alleged sexual assault, underage drinking and illegal drug use during a dorm room party last month.
Four of the five players being investigated are from Florida and three are from Plant City.
Brown, who transferred to Winter Park from Orlando Christian Prep for his senior year of high school, and Plant City freshman Antoine Thompson were both dismissed from the NC State football team by coach Dave Doeren. The other three players, also freshmen — Erin Collins of Seffner Armwood, Xavier Lyas of Plant City Durant and Isaiah Moore of Chester, Va. — were suspended from the team pending the criminal investigation.
NC State police chief Jack Moorman said the incident took place in one of the football player’s rooms at Timber Hall in Wolf Village student housing apartments on the NC State campus.
Moorman said no criminal charges have been filed so far and the investigation is ongoing. Moorman told reporters Tuesday three women reported separate sexual assaults in connection with the party.
“The criminal investigation is something we’re not prepared to talk about at this time,” Moorman said Tuesday.
A statement released by Doeren stated:
“We had five freshmen, two of whom have been dismissed, who made poor decisions that don’t align with the values of our program and each has been handled accordingly. Although I’ve disciplined these players for violations of the Student Athlete Code of Conduct, I want to make it clear that I respect due process in the University and legal proceedings. Our players understand that I’m going be firm, but fair when it comes to discipline.”
NC State athletics director Deb Yow also released a statement that read:
“The football players who violated the Student Athlete Code of Conduct and Football Team Rules have been disciplined by Coach Doeren, with my full support. Coach Doeren continues to responsibly manage difficult circumstances in an appropriate and forthcoming manner, which is greatly appreciated. Two have been dismissed from the team and are no longer enrolled at NC State, and three others have received suspensions from competition, as well as other discipline. These actions are not regarding allegations of sexual assault. We reserve the right to impose additional sanctions if new violations are discovered.”
Brown, a 6-foot-6, 242-pound defensive end, had 11.5 sacks and six tackles for loss, averaging 4.5 tackles per game in his only season at Winter Park.
Head coach Guershom Demosthenes had Brown for two years at OCP, where he played after transferring from Orlando Olympia High. The allegations surprised Demosthenes when he heard the news.
“It’s pretty unfortunate for the young man. I had an opportunity to coach him for two years. He was a great kid, great charisma and he was just starting to really develop into a football player,” Demosthenes said. “He went off to NC State and I gave my blessings to him. He’s always been really good with me and everybody loved him. He’s kind of a people’s person.
“I wouldn’t think in a million years … it’s surprising to me. He was a good kid for me. … He had everything right in front of him and my speech to him was, ‘God has given you an opportunity, so do not blow it. Do not get in the wrong crowd. Do not blow this opportunity that the Lord has given you. ... I’m going to reach out to him. Hopefully he picks up the phone. I just found out earlier.”
Chris Hays covers college football recruiting, as well as college and high school football for the Sentinel. Reach him atchays@orlandosentinel.com.
Also follow us on Twitter @OS_Recruiting or on Faceboook at OS Recruiting or on Instagram at OS_Recruiting.
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