Warrants have been issued for the arrests of three NIU football players in connection with more than a dozen tire slashings late last week.

The players, who police and athletics department officials would not name until arrests were made, are expected either to turn themselves in or be picked up by University Police today, Lt. Matthew Kiederlen said.

The warrants stem from an incident that occurred late April 1 in Parking Lot J, which is east of Grant Towers and north of Lincoln Hall. According to police, the suspects allegedly slashed the tires on at least 14 different vehicles. After a nearly two-week investigation, the UP were able to obtain warrants early Wednesday. As of 4 p.m. Wednesday, none of the suspects had turned themselves in.

Police contacted interim Athletic Director George Shur on Wednesday to inform him and the football staff of the warrants, Shur said.

The athletics staff was aware of the incident prior to warrants being issued, and Shur said he thinks the players have been suspended and will not participate in today’s Spring Football Game. He added that he did not think the players involved are starters.

The incident is unfortunate, but actions do need to be taken, Shur said.

“I’ve seen a lot of kids get into trouble,” Shur said. “We hold our athletes to higher standards.”