Everett Golson, the freshman quarterback who led Notre Dame to an undefeated regular season in 2012, will not be returning to the university in 2013.
"Everett is not enrolled at the university," Dennis Brown, a spokesman for Notre Dame, told ESPN. "Federal law and our own policies preclude us from talking specifics."
The cause of Golson's departure was reported by the Chicago Tribune to be an academic violation. A source also told the Tribune that Golson may be able to return to the Fighting Irish at some point in the future.
A statement released by Golson claimed the quarterback has merely been suspended by the university, not kicked out.
"I have been informed by the University of Notre Dame that due to my poor academic judgment that I have been suspended from the university for the 2013 Fall Term," Golson's statement read. "At this point, I understand how my integrity could be in question but I want to reassure my supporters that through this experience I will return a better student athlete as well as a better individual."
Last year the red shirt freshman quarterback started 11 of 12 games and threw for 2,405 yards and 12 touchdowns. Golson also ran for six touchdowns, according to ESPN.
Golson's departure leaves Notre Dame relatively weak at quarterback. Senior Tommy Rees is expected to become the starter for 2013. Rees was the starting quarterback at the beginning of last year but Golson was able to win the job from him through his spectacular play, according to ESPN.
The move is especially hurtful to Notre Dame as their best quarterback prospect recently transferred out of the school. Gunner Kiel transferred to Cincinnati on Monday in part because he was expected to not get any playing time behind Golson. Kiel shut down any speculation of a possible return to South Bend by saying that he was fully committed to Cincinnati, reports CBS Sports.
Bloggers on the Internet have half seriously guessed that the number 5 jersey at Notre Dame must be cursed, according to CBS Sports. Both Golson and Manti T'eo wore the number last year; T'eo became infamous after he was scammed into having an online relationship with a woman who never existed.