Iowa State Head Football Coach Dan McCarney addressed the arrests of two football players Tuesday who were charged with simple assault.

Matt Rahfeldt, a team captain and starting offensive guard, and Matt Rysavy, a reserve tight end, were both arrested for simple assault near Tazzles, at 126 1/2 Welch Ave., on Aug. 1.

Ames Police Department officials said simple assault is classified as a simple misdemeanor.

During his weekly press conference, McCarney said no disciplinary action would be taken against the players by the football staff at this point.

“Based on the information we have, and I have addressed this thoroughly, I’m not going to suspend these kids for this game or any game in the future at this stage,” McCarney said.

“If I feel additional action is warranted in the near future, I won’t hesitate to address it further,” he said.

Rahfeldt is a four-year starter who has started 23 games for the Cyclones, including all 11 games last season.

He is one of only two returning starters on the offensive line. Rysavy is currently a reserve, but was listed as the starting tight end in the preseason depth chart.

McCarney has been quick to punish players who have broken laws and/or team rules in the past.

Tight ends Damian Gibson and Kevin Hudson, two players who were expected to start this season, were demoted to the second team after alcohol charges were brought against them last spring.

Ironically, Rysavy was listed as the starter in the preseason because of Gibson’s demotion.

Gibson is currently listed as the starter.

“I’ve always dealt with issues like this in a direct and forthright manner,” McCarney said. “Those of you who have been here for the two and a half years that I have know that the actions I have taken in the past speaks for itself.”

McCarney said he was aware of the incident, but did not know about the charges until Monday.

“My players came to me when this happened over three weeks ago,” he said.

“I didn’t know anything about the simple misdemeanor charge until yesterday. That’s the first time I found out about the charge. … my players came to me immediately when it happened.”

Iowa State opens the season Saturday at home against Oklahoma State at 5:30 p.m.