Off the wire

Cornerback charged

A Notre Dame cornerback accused of tackling a police officer and punching him in the side and stomach during an altercation outside a bar was charged Tuesday with felony counts of resisting law enforcement and battery against a public safety official. Devin Butler was arrested Saturday and released on a $1,000 bond, but St. Joseph County Prosecutor Kenneth P. Cotter requested more time to investigate the case and determine what charges were appropriate. Butler is scheduled to be arraigned today. He couldn’t be reached for comment Tuesday because he has an unlisted phone number. Court records don’t indicate he has hired an attorney. Butler’s arrest came hours after five other teammates were arrested in Fulton County, about 40 miles south of South Bend. Indiana State Police said a trooper stopped a car for speeding and detected the odor of marijuana and with the help of a drug-sniffing dog, he found the marijuana and a handgun in the car. Starting safety Max Redfield, running back Dexter Williams, linebacker Te’ Von Coney, receiver Kevin Stepherson and cornerback Ashton White were charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession. Redfield, Stepherson and Williams face an additional misdemeanor charge of possession of an unlicensed handgun. Coach Brian Kelly announced Sunday that Redfield had been dismissed from the team and Butler, who already was out until October with a broken foot, had been suspended indefinitely. Kelly said the others faced internal team discipline. All six remain enrolled in school.

S.C. reports violations

South Carolina’s athletic department reported 23 violations of NCAA or SEC rules in the past year, nine involving the football team. All but one of the infractions were classified as Level III and outlined by the NCAA as violations isolated or limited in nature; provide no more than a minimal recruiting, competitive or other advantage; and do not include more than a minimal impermissible benefit.