Not so unexpectedly, East Carolina will continue to be without its leading rusher for the foreseeable future.
Running back Vintavious Cooper was arrested earlier this month and charged with misdemeanor possession of marijuana. Following the on-campus incident, Cooper was indefinitely suspended by head coach Ruffin McNeill, who said in announcing the punitive measure that “no one is ever immune to the accountability process.”
That accountability will continue through the spring as McNeill reiterated Monday that Cooper remains suspended and will not participate in the Pirates’ 15 spring practice sessions that commenced Monday.
After transferring to the Pirates from the JUCO ranks last year, Cooper led the team in rushing yards (1,049) and rushing touchdowns (seven). He also caught 26 passes for 229 yards and another touchdown in his first season at the school.
Cooper will be a senior in 2013.