For the most part, and especially compared to the recent past, the SEC’s annual media days has been a relatively bland affair.
Unfortunately for the LSU Tigers, one of their players has spiced things up a little bit. Reportedly.
The Tigers’s turn in front of the media takes place Friday, and the school was expected to be represented by head coach Les Miles, quarterback Jordan Jefferson, linebacker Ryan Baker and wide receiver Russell Shepard. Unexpectedly, LSU issued a press release this afternoon stating that Shepard “will miss the event for personal reasons” and will be replaced by offensive lineman T-Bob Hebert.
According to SportsNOLA.com, and citing multiple unnamed sources, Shepard may be suspended for undisclosed reasons in the near future. The website goes on to add that Shepard could miss the opener against Oregon, which would apparently be a result of whatever it was that would trigger the suspension.
The school has refused comment on the speculation surrounding Shepard.
Should these rumors come to fruition and Shepard is held out against the Ducks, he would become the second high-profile player to miss the highly-anticipated contest; earlier this year, Oregon All-American corner Cliff Harris was suspended for at least the opener due to various off-field transgressions.
Shepard, a highly-touted quarterback coming out of high school who moved to running back before switching to his current position, was the Tigers’ second-leading receiver in 2010 with 33 receptions. He added He added 226 yards and two touchdowns carrying the football.
UPDATED 5:56 p.m. ET: A school spokesperson told Randy Rosetta of TigerSportsDigest.com that Shepard has not been suspended nor has he violated team rules.