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Notre Dame players arrested; police find gun, marijuana in car

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Arrested players a 'distraction' before Notre Dame's opener (0:36)

Paul Finebaum still believes that Notre Dame has the potential to be a "very good" team this year, if it is able to survive opening weekend without some key players. (0:36)

Five Notre Dame football players were arrested Friday night after police stopped them for speeding and reported finding a handgun and marijuana in the car.

Senior safety Max Redfield, redshirt freshman cornerback Ashton White, freshman wide receiver Kevin Stepherson, sophomore running back Dexter Williams and sophomore linebacker Te'von Coney were each charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor. Redfield, Stepherson and Williams were also charged with possession of a handgun without a license, also a misdemeanor.

In a separate incident, Notre Dame cornerback Devin Butler was arrested early Saturday morning on preliminary charges of battery to law enforcement and resisting law enforcement.

An Indiana State Police trooper stopped the five players in Fulton County for driving 73 mph in a 60 mph zone, according to an ISP news release. The officer reported smelling marijuana coming from the car, and a police dog indicated that there were drugs in the vehicle. Officers found a handgun and marijuana after searching the car, according to the report.

Notre Dame vice president for public affairs and communications Paul Browne said in a statement that the university will determine if additional sanctions are needed.

Redfield has been a starter at safety the past two seasons. He was the Irish's fourth-leading tackler in 2015.

Williams gained 81 yards on 21 carries last season and was expected to get regular playing time in 2016.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.