Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly dismisses four players from program

SOUTH BEND — Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly has dismissed four players from the program, a source confirmed to IndyStar.

A team spokesman said that juniors Kevin Stepherson, a wide receiver; and Brandon Tiassum, a defensive tackle; and sophomore running backs Deon McIntosh and C.J. Holmes will no longer play for Notre Dame.

Stepherson and Holmes were suspended indefinitely before the Citrus Bowl after they were arrested for shoplifting, while McIntosh was sent home from Orlando for a violation of team rules. Stepherson was charged separately with possession of marijuana, speeding and driving without a valid driver’s license the day before his shoplifting arrest.

Kelly never publicly addressed the situation regarding Tiassum. He made the travel roster for the Citrus Bowl but did not play in Notre Dame’s 21-17 win over LSU.

Kelly’s decision to dismiss Stepherson is not surprising. The receiver was one of five players arrested in August 2016 and he was charged with marijuana possession. He didn’t play in Notre Dame’s first four games for an undisclosed disciplinary reason, but he earned back Kelly’s trust and became one of quarterback Brandon Wimbush’s favorite targets on the back end of the season. Stepherson was Notre Dame’s third-leading receiver, finishing the year with 19 receptions for 359 yards and five touchdowns.

McIntosh and Holmes were dismissed after their first public infraction. McIntosh was Notre Dame's third-leading rusher this season, gaining 368 yards on 5.6 yards per carry with five touchdowns in eight games. Holmes rushed for 32 yards on eight carries and mostly played special teams. Tiassum played in just three games this season.

Follow IndyStar Notre Dame Insider Laken Litman on Twitter and Instagram: @lakenlitman.