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Three Gophers football players leave University, following UMN panel decision.

Tamarion Johnson and Ray Buford will transfer to Arizona Western; Dior Johnson will also leave the U.
Gophers defensive back Ray Buford tackles Cornhuskers tight end Cethan Carter at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016.
Image by Meagan Lynch
Gophers defensive back Ray Buford tackles Cornhuskers tight end Cethan Carter at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016.

Three of the four Gophers football players expelled for their role in an alleged sexual assault have transferred to other schools or left the University of Minnesota.

Tamarion Johnson and Ray Buford will transfer schools, both players announced on Twitter this week.

Dior Johnson is no longer listed in the school’s online student directory or on the football team roster. The University confirmed that Dior Johnson isn’t enrolled anymore, the Star Tribune reported Tuesday.

The three were expelled last week after a three-person University disciplinary panel found them responsible for offenses related to an alleged Sept. 2 sexual assault of a University game day employee. All parties involved in the case can appeal the decision.

The other expelled player, Kiante Hardin, has yet to announce his plans. He is still listed on the team’s roster.

Two other players received one-year suspensions for their involvement.

Tamarion Johnson, a defensive lineman, will transfer to Arizona Western Community College and will open up his recruitment, he announced on Twitter Monday.

Buford, a cornerback, will also transfer to Arizona Western, he said on Twitter Tuesday. He played in seven games during his two seasons with the Gophers after redshirting his first year.

“Minnesota will forever be the greatest decision of my life,” Buford tweeted Tuesday. “Despite everything that has unfolded, I have managed to make friendships and relationships that will last a life time … But I think it’s safe to say that my time here is over and done.”

Tamarion Johnson, a redshirt freshman, didn’t play in any games during his time at the University.

“I want to thank all the coaches and staff at the University of Minnesota for helping me grow as an athlete, student, and a man,” he said in a statement posted to his Twitter account.

Dior Johnson, also a redshirt freshman, played in one game last season.

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