Franklin issues statement

Vanderbilt officially released its 2013 roster on Monday in preparation for the Southeastern Conference's annual Football Media Day event in Birmingham, Alabama. Commodores head coach James Franklin also issued an official statement on the four student athletes that were dismissed from the football program on June 29th.

The statement reads:

"For student athletes at Vanderbilt, it is a privilege, not a right, to be a part of the program. My coaching staff and I make sure every member of our team understands that. We insist on high standards of personal responsibility and integrity, and there are consequences when those standards are not met.

"In dealing with this matter, the Commodores football team will continue to hold itself to the same high standards of responsibility and integrity Vanderbilt demands of all of our students.

"We are cooperating fully with the Nashville Police Department and have pledged not to say or do anything that could interfere with its work or compromise the rights of anyone involved. We have not prejudged anyone's guilt or innocence."

The four players dismissed were redshirt freshmen Brandon Banks, Cory Batey and Jaborian "Tip" McKenzie as well as junior college transfer Brandon Vandenburg. All four have also been placed on interim suspension from the university pending further investigation and/or a hearing. They may not return to campus for any purpose without explicit permission from the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity.

The university stated that it will comment further on situation when appropriate.

James Franklin and Commodore seniors Andre Hal, Wesley Johnson and Jordan Matthews will make the rounds on Thursday as part of the final day of the Media Day event at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham - The Wynfrey Hotel.