Gus Malzahn has dismissed safety Demetruce McNeal from the team following an arrest for possession of marijuana.
"After visiting with Demetruce, I made the decision to dismiss him from our team," Malzahn said in a press release on Saturday. "We have high expectations both on and off the field for our players."
McNeal was arrested on a second-degree possession of marijuana charge along with former linebackers Jawara White and Jonathan Evans. They were booked at the Lee County Detention Center either late Friday night or early Saturday morning and released on a $500 bond, according to online records.
McNeal did not practice Saturday morning, and Malzahn did not meet with McNeal until after practice later that afternoon.
McNeal was the Tiger's leading returning tackler from 2012 with 90 tackles. He missed the first part of fall camp because of a staph infection, but he had returned to the practice field this week and was expected to compete for a starting role on defense.
He also missed the end of spring practice, and did not participate in A-Day because of personal issues.
Sophomore Joshua Holsey moved from corner to safety during McNeal's absence last spring, and should replace McNeal as the starter in the opening game against Washington State. Former quarterback Kiehl Frazier who moved to safety on Monday may be asked to contribute once the season begins also.
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