Arizona State will open their 2013 season Thursday night in Tempe, and the weather looks to be pretty nice by early September Arizona standards. However, there will be a bit of a dark cloud hanging over the program when the Sun Devils kick off the new season against Sacramento State. According to a report, Arizona State assistant athletic director for recruiting Sherman Morris has been placed on leave following felony charges related to aggravated assault and domestic violence.
As first reported by The Arizona Republic beat reporter Doug Haller, Morris has been charged with one count of aggravated assault-serious physical injury and one count of aggravated assault-strangulation. Arizona State hired Morris in March. Putting him on leave will allow him to focus on his legal battle without serving as a distraction within the program, but the situation is certainly not a positive one unfolding right now.
Arizona State has released a brief statement confirming the news in vague terms. It simply reads “We have put a football-staff employee on administrative leave pending the outcome of a review of the facts in the case.”
Don’t count on this news having much of an impact on tonight’s game. Arizona State head coach Todd Graham is more focused on ensuring the Sun Devils avoid catching the FCS upset bug.
Photo credit: LSU Athletics