Auburn Dismisses Shaq Johnson Following Arrest


One of the most highly-regarded leapers in America is now without a college team after Auburn University announced today that it was dismissing rising sophomore wing Shaq Johnson. From CBS Sports: “Auburn coach Tony Barbee has dismissed sophomore Shaq Johnson for a “violation of team rules,” the school announced Thursday. A source told CBSSports.com that the dismissal was caused by Johnson’s recent arrest, after which he was charged with possession of marijuana and jailed in Lee County, Ala. A person at the jail confirmed to CBSSports.com that “Shaquille Jerrod Johnson” (Inmate: 42857) was recently incarcerated. That is Johnson’s full name, according to Auburn’s official athletic website. The person at the jail added that Johnson has been released. “We hold our student-athletes to a high standard at Auburn University in the way that they conduct themselves off the court,” Barbee said in a release. “I am very disappointed in Shaq’s choices and actions, and they won’t be tolerated. This decision is not one that I take lightly, but it is in the best interest of both the program and the student-athlete.” An attempt to reach Barbee for additional comment was not immediately successful. Johnson played in all 32 games last season and started 21. The 6-foot-5 wing averaged 5.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 18.6 minutes per game. Coming out of high school, Johnson was considered one of the top 25 players at his position.”