Fall camp can officially not get here soon enough. Although, when it does arrive for FIU, the Golden Panthers will be without their leading running back from a year ago.
The university announced in a statement Monday that Kendrick Rhodes has been dismissed from the team for the usual “violation of team policy.” However, a report from the Miami Herald suggests the reason behind Rhodes’ dismissal may not have been of the garden variety.
The Herald reports that Rhodes was arrested on Sunday charged with discharging a weapon on school property, a second-degree felony. He is also reportedly charged with three misdemeanor, including discharging a firearm while under the influence. FIU did not mention the report from the Herald or give any specific reason for Rhodes’ dismissal.
Rhodes led the team last year with 717 rushing yards while recording four rushing touchdowns. He also ran for 1,149 yards in 2011. With Rhodes gone, the team’s ground game suddenly looks bleak. FIU’s leading returning rusher is quarterback Jake Medlock. Shane Coleman, who only had eight carries last season, could be asked to shoulder a significantly heavier load for FIU in the run game this year.