North Carolina DT Austin suspended for opener
The University of North Carolina returns a stellar defence for the 2010 football season. Hopes are high in Chapel Hill, even with the offence that has never produced.
Many analysts think UNC can surprise some people in the ACC. With a tough schedule ahead of them, UNC can't afford any breakdowns, injuries or suspensions to their defense if they plan on contending this season.
Too late.
North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin, an all-ACC selection and sure first-round NFL draft pick, has been suspended indefinitely following an investigation by the NCAA, the school announced on Tuesday.
Head coach Butch Davis says that the suspension is not a result of the NCAA investigation.
“This decision is not a result of the ongoing NCAA review,” Davis said. “Marvin has violated team rules and has neglected his responsibilities to the team.”
It is somewhat difficult to believe, as the sports world has been awaiting the news of the NCAA case.
The details of the violation were not released.
The NCAA has been investigating the UNC program for improper benefits as well as academic cheating. If found guilty, the program could receive several punishments, including a bowl ban and loss of scholarship.
Austin, from Washington D.C., is a senior for the Tar Heels and one of the biggest names in college football.
Regarded as one of the top football players in the high school class of 2006, Austin shocked many by committing to Davis and the ACC school.
No. 18 Carolina opens up the season against no. 16 LSU in Atlanta, Georgia on Saturday night.
The game will truly test the depth of the Carolina defensive line.
Carolina is somewhat thin on the defensive line, so they will look to their linebackers to help in the run game, something LSU has always done well.
There is no word as to how long the suspension will be.
Carolina will face Georgia Tech and travel to Rutgers after the showdown with the Tigers.
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