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SALT LAKE CITY — Utah football head coach Kyle Whittingham announced Friday morning that Dominique Hatfield has been dismissed from the program.
Whittingham released a short statement Friday morning saying he has developed "further concerns" about Hatfield's off-the-field legal issues.
“We have developed further concerns about Dominique Hatfield’s off-field behavior, and as a result, he has been dismissed from our program,” Whittingham said in a statement.
Hatfield tweeted about being released from the program early Friday morning:
Rather say it now than later, i will not be playing for UTAH next season. It wasn't mty decision. — HattyF (@The15thUTE) July 10, 2015
> Fun while it lasted and this definitely was a humbling experience. Just wait on the return of Hatfield > > — HattyF (@The15thUTE) [July 10, 2015](https://twitter.com/The15thUTE/status/619392392165101569)
> Hopefully another university give me a chance > > — HattyF (@The15thUTE) [July 10, 2015](https://twitter.com/The15thUTE/status/619394669831569409)
Earlier this week, Whittingham suspended Hatfield, pending further review of the alleged aggravated assault case surrounding the investigation of Hatfield.
Hatfield is accused of pulling a knife and taking money from an individual who was looking to buy an Xbox from a classified ad. Hatfield was arrested by police after the victim arranged a second meeting to buy two iPhones.
Video from a nearby convenience store is expected to be released sometime revealing some details about the incident. Hatfield has only admitted to having two stolen iPhones.
Hatfield's attorney, Greg Skordas, said the criminal case was headed in a positive direction and that he was surprised by the dismissal.
Contributing: The Associated Press
