3 LSU players suspended

Three players for the No. 1-ranked LSU football team — cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon and running back Spencer Ware — have been suspended for violating team rules for Saturday’s game against No. 19 Auburn, a source familiar with the situation said Wednesday.

There was no word whether the suspensions will extend beyond this week’s contest. LSU has an open date next week before traveling to face No. 2 Alabama on Nov. 5.

LSU coach Les Miles spoke after Wednesday’s practice to a larger than normal crowd of media members at the football operations facility but declined to confirm the players’ suspensions.

“I certainly understand the interest surrounding what seems to be news,” Miles said. “The problem with that is this is an internal function of the team. I’m not reactionary to the needs of media external to this building.”

Miles said he is going through a process to determine what action needs to be taken.

“It’s something I review fully and I’m going to do it as I’ve always done it,” he said.

All three players are sophomores. Mathieu and Ware are starters, while Simon is a frequently used backup.

Mathieu has been one of the stars of LSU’s undefeated team, making a string of spectacular plays that have earned him serious early consideration for The Heisman Trophy.

Nicknamed the “Honey Badger,” the New Orleans native is LSU’s second-leading tackler with 42 stops. He also leads the team with four forced fumbles (he has a school-record nine for his career); three fumble recoveries; two interceptions; and one and one-half sacks.

Mathieu scored touchdowns on forced fumbles against Oregon and Kentucky and returned an interception to the West Virginia 1-yard line, setting up another touchdown.

Ware is LSU’s top running back, leading the team in yards rushing (512) and carries (128) and being tied for the team lead with six rushing touchdowns. Against Tennessee on Saturday, the Cincinnati native rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown and caught a touchdown pass.

Simon, a reserve from Eunice, has played in all seven games and started against Mississippi State. He is fourth on the team with 29 tackles, an interception and a team-best eight pass deflections.

Asked if he was disappointed in what has happened, Miles said: “I think the issues of society today are heaped full of temptations and distraction. Frankly, it doesn’t surprise me in any way what’s presented to our team.”

The suspensions are the latest off-the-field issues for an LSU team that has managed to get off to its second straight 7-0 start despite major distractions.

Senior quarterback Jordan Jefferson and linebacker Josh Johns were suspended for the first four games this season for their alleged roles in an Aug. 19 off-campus bar fight. Jefferson, who has been replaced as the starter by fellow senior Jarrett Lee, has been indicted on a misdemeanor charge of simple battery, while Johns has been cleared.

Starting wide receiver Russell Shepard missed the first three games this season because he violated NCAA protocol concerning an NCAA investigation.

Senior linebacker Ryan Baker was also suspended for LSU’s second game against Northwestern State for an unspecified team rules violation.

When asked if his team would be distracted, Miles indicated he thought his players would take the matter in stride.

“This football team might well understand what distraction is,” he said. “I don’t think I’ve seen a change. I think they understand what they need to do.”

Comments

1) Comment by Ivy - 21/10/2011

They are young men who made a bad choice. Let's not demonize them. The punishment was appropriate, the media attention not so much. I mean, did I really need 4 BREAKING NEWS emails from one of the local TV stations in one afternoon about this matter? Put it in the proper perspective, folks.

2) Comment by mark1960 - 21/10/2011

Topic: Three players for the No. 1-ranked LSU football team — cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon and running back Spencer Ware have been suspended for the Auburn game. These three young men should have behaved in the highest of personal standards. No excuses for taking drugs. They are role models for the whole community esp. the young people. They have let down alot of people. Stupid dumb mistake. I pray that these football players reflect on their lives and ask God to give them the strength of character to avoid bad behavior in all of its forms esp. drug use. I ask that they apologize to the LSU Family and recommit themselves to doing the right thing at all times. I hope they reach out to Jesus to give them the inner strength to be the very best person that they can be. God Bless the LSU Football team.

3) Comment by Sidwit - 20/10/2011

Asked if he was disappointed in what has happened, Miles said: “I think the issues of society today are heaped full of temptations and distraction. Frankly, it doesn’t surprise me in any way what’s presented to our team.” What in heaven's name does this mean? The number one team in the nation is apparently flushing itself down the toilet while the Mad Hatter is looking for a telepromter. Saban is smiling right now. C'mon guys, get a grip and get a hold of this team.

4) Comment by SEC_Fan14 - 20/10/2011

LSU might be in trouble here, guys http://isportsweb.com/2011/10/20/les-miles-to-the-nfl-will-happen/

5) Comment by DryPirate - 20/10/2011

WOW! This is the first time a college student has ever been caught smoking weed...I wonder if it will happen again?

6) Comment by mcBR - 20/10/2011

Legalize it.

7) Comment by gofigger - 20/10/2011

Let's not forget, Miles is their coach, he is not their guardian.

8) Comment by spqr - 20/10/2011

DMJ, Your comments are the kind reflecting the break down of civility in our society. I hope you were joking. Better weed than steroids? Better a missing leg than arm? Getting a DUI for beer is better than a DUI for whiskey? None of it is acceptable and no one should look away. Quite frankly, I continue to be embarrassed by seemingly out of control and selfish players on what should be one of the best teams in recent history. I see an end to all of this for the team and it is a forgettable end. Stay tuned. Alabama is hungry and LSU's split personality is en route to trouble.

9) Comment by SportsIsMyReligion - 20/10/2011

Hey The Gainesville Sun did a nice story about our two-QB system: http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20111020/ARTICLES/111019410/1093/GATORSSPECIAL12?Title=The-League-Tiger-tactics&tc=ar

10) Comment by coppet - 20/10/2011

My 10th grade Civics teacher pounded into us that you don't have privilege without corresponding responsibility. These young fellows have tremendous privilege: 90+ thousand pairs of eyes on them during games plus millions more on national TV. Their interviews are picked up by local media and replicated by AP, Sports Illustrated, ESPN, etc. They are afforded huge exposure. Some can handle it well, some can't ... yet. They need to look to their leader, J. Lee, for the right way to handle this kind of exposure. And this translates to keeping their noses clean in off-duty times as well. I support Miles in however he wants to handle this. But one thing is clear, some of these "stars" need some life coaching, and maybe a basic civics lesson, too.

11) Comment by DMJ - 20/10/2011

Didn't they get caught with weed? So what? Better weed than steroids. It's not like weed is going to make them play any better, you know?

12) Comment by 7mag - 20/10/2011

Judge not, that you be not judged-matthew 7:1 These young men probably got this behavior from watching the adults in their neighborhood. Where on most Saturday mornings they are taught substance abuse by middle aged adults who gather to funnel beer, shoot Jagermeister, play beer pong and gyrate wildy to obnoxiuosly loud music. The adults then teach respect for the rules by sneaking their unauthorized, hence illegal, substances into Tiger Stadium so they can continue drinking and not lose their buzz.

13) Comment by redsauce - 20/10/2011

Another example of the lack of Miles' ability to control the team. No respect, no control.

14) Comment by LawyerDan65 - 20/10/2011

The nature of the violation of team rules is has been speculated on, but in any event, this needs to be a further example to the rest of the team that with all of the benefits and accolades of being a member of the LSU football program comes with it a higher level of responsibility in your personal and academic life. Coach Miles has consistently showed forgiveness, to a point. The more interesting question is whether the internal team leaders, Brandon Taylor, Jarrett Lee, among others, will privately sit down with these 3 young men and reinforce that responsibility.

15) Comment by Lawdog - 20/10/2011

Foolish, just foolish. These kids have a once in a lifetime, legit chance at a national championship. Can't understand why they would risk it. Hope this is just a quick learning experience for them and the team and not a bigger problem. With Alabama and Auburn coming up, there is no time to play. Hope they all realize that the program is far greater than any one player.

16) Comment by ABayouBoy - 20/10/2011

I think that everyone is aware of the circumstances that Coach Miles is unable to comment on. If I were Coach Miles those three players would be sweating it out doing weight work-outs for putting myself and the team on the spot again!