LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The University of Louisville has dismissed three members of its men's soccer team and suspended three others for their involvement in a party that led to 29 student-athletes testing positive for COVID-19.

The soccer players dismissed from the team each had prior team violations and according to a news release from the university, were primarily responsible for the party on Saturday, Aug. 1 that led to the shutdown of voluntary activities and preseason practices of four Olympic sports. 

"I'm extremely disappointed in these young men and particularly with the three that have been dismissed," said UofL men's soccer head coach John Michael Hayden. "They have demonstrated with their actions now and previously that they do not echo the culture of this program. Our student-athletes are held to a high standard of conduct as representatives of our program and university."

"I fully support John Michael's decision," said UofL Vice President/Director of Athletics Vince Tyra. "It is clear that these student-athletes did not meet the code of conduct of the university or their team. Ignoring the safety protocols issued by federal, state and local officials, as well as the athletic department, is unacceptable and dangerous. Their history of actions are not in alignment with the values of this university and athletics department."

Men's soccer, women's soccer, field hockey, and volleyball have all paused team-related activities because several members of each of the teams tested positive for COVID-19. Student-athletes from other Cardinal sports also tested positive for the virus, but the numbers weren't high enough to stop activities for the entire team.  

Tyra announced the suspension of activities Wednesday, August 5.