Whatever bowl game Michigan State ultimately lands in, they won’t have eight players currently serving an indefinite suspension, head coach Mark Dantonio announced today.
Eight players — wide receivers B.J. Cunningham, Mark Dell and Fred Smith, running back Ashton Leggett, cornerback Chris L. Rucker, linebacker/safety Brynden Trawick, defensive tackle Ishmyl Johnson and defensive end Jamiihr Williams — were suspended and two now-former players — running back Glenn Winston and safety Roderick Jenrette — were booted from the program following an incident in which upwards of 15 MSU football players were accused of storming a campus dorm and assaulting both males and females who were present.
While the police investigation into the incident is still ongoing — it’s expected to be completed this week — Dantonio felt the need to announce today that the players involved in the fracas would not be eligible for the bowl game.
“Obviously, I’m very, very disappointed,” Dantonio said in addressing the Nov. 22 incident for the first time. “I’m extremely disappointed about our choices as people and not making the right choice. I think it’s a very traumatic experience for this program and we’ve got to be able to get past this situation. It’s also devastating for the families that are involved in this. …
“The opportunity to play on this football team and in a bowl game is a privilege, and not a given right. With that said, all those present at the incident in question will remain on indefinite suspension and will not make the trip nor play in the bowl game.”
The Spartans will likely learn their bowl destination tomorrow.
Wonder if they will still participate in the extra practices?
I’m sure they will be back in the starting lineup by next August…
As long as there isn’t ZERO TOLERANCE for this type of behavior and people aren’t going to be dismissed from the team then this kind of activity will continue and be condoned as okay, just stick out your hand for the ruler spanking!!!
In undisciplined programs, these kids run around above the law and in spite of it.
The is a serious MSU issue that should be dealt with in house.
The players’ actions are unacceptable and Dantonio sent the right message by taking away the bowl game they had been playing for all year. The two players who had already been given a second chance were booted off the team completely. How is that not enough?