DURHAM, N.C. -- 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.
"It was in their best interest, and certainly the program's best interest, to move forward somewhere else," Cutcliffe said.
Barnes, the starter at one receiving position, was second on the team with 34 catches for 411 yards and two touchdowns.