During his appearance at the SEC Media Days exactly a week ago, Auburn’s Gus Malzahn stated Nick Marshall would “have to deal with the consequences” of the starting quarterback’s marijuana citation earlier this month. That said, Malzahn wasn’t prepared to say what if any punishment the player may be facing.
Monday it was lather, rinse repeat on the latter front, although it appears the coach is getting closer -- perhaps real close -- to making a decision.
“He’ll have some things he’ll have to pay for,” Malzahn said during an ESPN interview Monday. “I have not decided that for sure right now, but it will be in a short period of time I’ll have that figured out.”
There has been speculation that Malzahn, even as the school’s drug policy may not require it, could sit Marshall for the season opener against Arkansas. If that were to be the case, the Tigers would be forced to turn to Jeremy Johnson.
At least outwardly, Malzahn didn’t seem the least bit concerned about that prospect.
"(Johnson is) another outstanding quarterback I think will play at the next level,” he said. “He played two games last year and was the SEC Offensive Freshman of the Week. We’re in good shape there.”
Marshall, who was described as “teary-eyed” and “very regretful” during his encounter with the police, did not attend the SEC Media Days as scheduled as punishment for the citation.