Mark Hudspeth, armed with a newly-minted million-dollar contract, isn’t even remotely screwing around.
The Louisiana-Lafayette head coach confirmed to The Advertiser that backup quarterback Jalen Nixon has been indefinitely suspended. Not only that, but Nixon is expected to miss the entire 2014 season because of the suspension.
Other than “unspecified violation of team rules,” no reason for the harsh punitive measure was given.
Additionally, reserve cornerback Simeon Thomas has been declared academically ineligible and will not play at all in 2014 either.
“I think this will be a great life lesson for both of these guys in realizing there’s a consequence for every action,” UL coach Mark Hudspeth said Monday night. “I think these young men realize their mistakes and have come to grips with their actions, and are working very hard to right themselves in the classroom and off the field.”
Both players, though, the paper writes, will “remain on the team, remain on scholarship and will be allowed to continue practicing with the team.”
Last season, Nixon completed six of his 12 pass attempts for 108 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Thomas played in nine games, missing the first three as he was awaiting being cleared academically.