FARGO, N.D. (AP) - Eight North Dakota State University football players, including four starters, face fraud charges for allegedly forging signatures on two potential ballot measures.

Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem announced the charges Tuesday.

The players were paid $9 an hour to gather signatures to get two citizen initiatives dealing with a state conservation fund and medical marijuana on the ballot. Authorities say many of the petition signatures were copied from phone books or made up.

NDSU football coach Craig Bohl says the players have cooperated with investigators and any team discipline will be decided after they finish legal proceedings. He says the players will be eligible to play this weekend against Colorado State.

The Bison are defending Football Championship Subdivision champions.