Take a deep breath and exhale, Golden Domers. It appears that one of the top players in Notre Dame’s recent history will be available for the full 2011 slate of games. Reportedly. And probably.
Our old buddy Keith Arnold of NBC Sports.com‘s Inside the Irish blog as well as IrishIllustrated.com are reporting that wide receiver Michael Floyd will not face a suspension following a drunk-driving arrest earlier this offseason. The latter blog reports that, instead of a suspension, the Office of Residence Life has decided to punish Floyd by slapping him with community service.
While the group charged with meting out sanctions for students decided against a suspension, the Rivals.com site notes that head coach Brian Kelly could still decide to sit the All-American candidate for a game or games. If we had sources on this situation, however, we get the feeling they would tell us to not hold our breath waiting for that to happen.
Floyd was arrested on March 20 and, after blowing a robust .19, was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was suspended indefinitely by Kelly shortly after the arrest, and there was talk that the receiver may have played his final down for the Irish.
There’s no word on when Floyd’s suspension will be lifted by Kelly.
Floyd will enter the 2011 season needing just nine receptions and 169 receiving yards to become the school’s all-time leader in both categories. He already holds the school record for career receiving touchdowns with 28.