As the College Football season starts, the sports is marred by negative news:
Urban Meyer Apologizes to Courtney Smith
Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer issued an apology to Courtney Smith through a statement released on Friday afternoon. The apology came just two days after Meyer failed to acknowledge Smith during a press conference to announce his suspension. Ohio State has suspended Meyer for the first three games of the season, including a key matchup against TCU.
The suspension came after leaders of the university determined that he failed to represent school standards and didn’t fully disclose information about Zach Smith. Zach Smith was fired by Ohio State after allegations of continued assault surfaced in a news report. Urban Meyer has had Smith on his football staff dating back to their days together in Florida. The Buckeyes host Oregon State in the season opener on September 1.
Iowa State Suspends Four Players
Four freshmen football players at Iowa State have been suspended by head coach Matt Campbell for what he describes as “multiple instances of poor choices and behavior.” The four players were suspended indefinitely, and they won’t have access to Iowa State’s athletic facilities during the suspension. The players suspended were: Joseph Scates, Jaeveyon Martin, Tayvonn Kyle, and Dallas Taylor-Cortez. None of the players were expected to play a key role with the Cyclones this season. Iowa State will host South Dakota State to open the season on Saturday, September 1.
Indiana Suspends Top Rusher
Morgan Ellison, Indiana University’s leading rusher in 2017, has been suspended indefinitely the team announced on Friday. There was no reason given for the suspension. Ellison rushed for 704 yards and six touchdowns as a breakout freshman last season for the Hoosiers. He was expected to be the team’s starting running back when they open the season on September 1 against FIU. Redshirt sophomore Cole Gest will take over the starting job in Ellison’s absence, but how long he holds the job remains to be seen.
Maryland’s Football Program Under Investigation
The University of Maryland’s football program is under investigation after a report about the program’s culture was released last week. An ESPN report described a culture that created an environment based on fear and bullying. A commission was created last week to begin the investigation, with five new people added to the commission on Friday. Super Bowl winner Doug Williams and ex-Maryland governor Robert Ehrlich Jr. were the biggest names added. Head coach D.J. Durkin was placed on paid administrative leave on August 11. Matt Canada is serving as the team’s interim coach.
Fulton Reinstated By NCAA
LSU coach Ed Orgeron announced that defensive back Kristian Fulton has been reinstated by the NCAA following a lengthy suspension. Fulton was serving a two-year suspension for tampering with a drug test, but was only forced to serve 18 months of that suspension. The former blue-chip recruit is eligible to play immediately for the Tigers. The suspension came after Fulton allegedly used another person’s urine during a drug test in February 2017. Fulton and LSU appealed the suspension, and he was granted eligibility earlier this week. Fulton played in just three games during his freshman season, but was the third-ranked cornerback in the class of 2016. LSU will open up the season on September 2 against Miami at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Vincent Testaverde Wins Starting Job
Vincent Testaverde will be the starting quarterback for Albany in their season-opening game. Testaverde is the son of Heisman Trophy winner and longtime NFL quarterback, Vinny Testaverde. The younger Testaverde transferred to Albany as a fifth-year senior after not earning playing time with the University of Miami, his father’s alma mater. He last appeared in a game as a freshman in 2015 with Texas Tech. Albany will open up the series with a game at Pittsburgh on September 1.
Mike Bobo Will Coach CSU in Season Opener
Mike Bobo has announced that he will coach the season opener for Colorado State University on Saturday when they take on Hawaii University. Bobo was hospitalized on August 11 for numbness in his feet, but returned to practice on Wednesday, August 22. He is expected to coach the season opener from the booth rather than being on the sidelines. Bobo was transferred to a Denver hospital over the weekend and was being treated for peripheral neuropathy. The former Georgia quarterback and offensive coordinator is 21-18 in his first three seasons at Colorado State. He is the first CSU coach to lead his team to a bowl game in his first three seasons.
