Mike Ford‘s up-and-down career at South Florida has ended on a decidedly down note as the running back has been dismissed from the football program.
The school announced via a press release that Ford had been kicked off the team due to an unspecified violation of team rules.
“I am disappointed for Mike more than anything else,” said USF head coach Skip Holtz in a statement. “I hope that he learns some important life lessons from this experience at USF. A lot of people care deeply for him. He needs to realize that he can respond to this adversity in a positive way and still fulfill many of his goals as a person, student and football player. I want the very best for Mike as he moves forward with is life and I will be here to support him.”
Ford was arrested for driving without valid license back in December, which was at least the fourth time he had been hit with the same charge since coming to the Bulls. He was also suspended for the first two games of 2009 for again violating unspecified team rules.
“To all of my family, friends and fans, I made a mistake that I really, really regret and I apologize for that,” said Ford. “I am responsible for my own actions. Please forgive me for I am only human. This will not be the last of Mike Ford. I will continue my dream, and I will graduate. Thank you to coach Jim Leavitt, coach Skip Holtz and coach Carl Franks. Once again, I apologize and will continue to push forward.”
During his three years at USF, Ford rushed for 1,502 yards and 23 touchdowns. The senior-to-be was was named the MVP of the 2010 International Bowl after rushing for 207 yards and one touchdown in the Bulls win over Northern Illinois.
As noted by the school’s release, USF will have six scholarship running backs – Bradley Battles, Richard Kelly, Lindsey Lamar, Demetris Murray, Aston Samuels and Jamar Taylor (no relation) — on the roster in 2010 and is optimistic about Mo Plancher receiving a sixth year of eligibility from the NCAA.
Three other backs signed National Letters of Intent earlier this month.
mike ford is a great guy off the field driving arrest?? At least he is not beating his girlfriend or killing someone or holding someone up to robb them….skip holtz really screwed this one up.. built ford tough!!!!!!!!