As it turns out, Clemson might not be the only team down a wide receiver due to suspension for the huge nonconference opener the weekend after next.
Auburn head coach Gene Chizik confirmed Wednesday that receiver DeAngelo Benton has been indefinitely suspended from the football program for violating an unspecified team rule. While Chizik didn’t state Benton would definitely miss the Tigers vs. Tigers opener, the fact that the suspension comes a mere nine days before the opener doesn’t bode well for the senior’s availability.
“We have standards and expectations that our football team is expected to uphold and when they do not abide by those, there are consequences,” Chizik said in the statement. “As a result, I have suspended DeAngelo Benton.”
Last season, Benton played in all 13 games and started two of those contests. He totaled 156 yards on seven receptions while adding a touchdown in 2011.
Unfortunately, Benton’s made a bigger name for himself off the field than on it the past year.
Benton’s name was mentioned in the hearing of alleged Auburn apartment shooter Desmonte Leonard. Benton allegedly argued with Leonard before the shooting, police said. But witnesses told police Benton was not involved in the fight that led to the shooting that resulted in three deaths June 9.