DURHAM, N.C. (AP) Duke has kicked three players - including a starting receiver and his backup - off the football team.
Coach David Cutcliffe on Tuesday announced the dismissals of receivers Johnell Barnes and Terrence Alls and linebacker Chris Holmes for failing to meet program standards.
He says the dismissals weren't a response to anything that happened in the past few weeks. He says, ''It was in their best interest, and certainly the program's best interest, to move forward somewhere else.''
Barnes, the starter at one receiving position, was second on the team with 34 catches for 411 yards and two touchdowns. Alls, his backup, was suspended for the season's first six games but had six catches for 56 yards.
Cutcliffe also says he resigned his spot on the NCAA's football rules committee.
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