Brian Kelly: Uncertain if players will be cleared to play by Notre Dame

ROCHESTER, Ind. -- Not guilty pleas have been entered for twoNotre Damefootball players and a third kicked off the team following hisarrest on misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession.

Linebacker Te'von Coney, wide receiver Kevin Stepherson and safety Max Redfield, who was dismissed from the team, appeared in court Tuesday where a judge entered the pleas for them.

Attorneys for running back Dexter Williams and cornerback Ashton White filed motions to waive initial hearings. A not guilty plea also was entered on Redfield's behalf on a misdemeanor charge of carrying a handgun without a license.

The five were arrested Aug. 19 after their car was stopped for speeding and an improper taillight. Police say they found two bags of marijuana.

Coach Brian Kelly, meanwhile, said Tuesday thatConey, Stepherson, Williams and White will be ready to play in Sunday's opener at Texas, but it remains unclear if the university will allow them to participate for the No. 10 Fighting Irish.

Coney, Stepherson and Williams were all listed as second-teamers on the Irish's depth chart, which was released Tuesday.

Kelly said he didn't consider suspending those four players.

"I've never suspended a player for a game for a first offense in this instance," Kelly said.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.