Former LSU quarterback Ryan Perrilloux’s college career, which has seen more time linked to disciplinary issues than playing time, came to an end Friday morning when he was dismissed from the team for failing a drug test, a team member confirmed Friday.
LSU coach Les Miles announced Perrilloux’s dismissal in a news release.
“Ryan was given every opportunity to be a part of this football team,” Miles said. “In the end, he didn’t fulfill his obligation as an LSU student-athlete. We hope that a new beginning will benefit him.”
Miles said he would not comment further on the matter.
“I wish Ryan and his family nothing but the best in any of his future endeavors.”
LSU Athletic Director Skip Bertman declined to comment while Jerry Shea, chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors, said he had little to say but supported Miles.
“I don’t have any comment other than that I agree with the coach’s decision,” Shea said.
Shea said he had not heard anything about a failed drug test.
Perrilloux’s high school coach, Larry Dauterive, said he was “devastated” to hear the news Friday morning.
“I was kind of blindsided by this,” Dauterive said. “I don’t know what was the straw that broke the camel or what put Les over the hump.”
Dauterive said he has not had a chance to talk to Miles yet, although they tried to contact one another. He said he respects Miles’ decision.
“I’m Les Miles’ biggest fan,” Dauterive said. “The last thing that a head coach wants to do is kick his starting quarterback off the team. It’s a devastating blow to him – for the time he spent with the guy, a guy he maybe thought was going to help get his team back to Miami this year. But that’s not going to happen now.”
Dauterive said he had not heard anything about Perrilloux failing a drug test other than the questions he has been asked by media, but he hopes the stories are not true.
“I’m hoping that they put him off strictly for missing class or another weight workout,” Dauterive said. “The last thing I want for him to have done is to fail a drug test.”
The news comes about two weeks after Miles praised Perrilloux’s behavior during a Southeastern Conference coaches teleconference.
“Perrilloux is handling his business and doing right,” Miles said.
Perrilloux is expected to finish out the spring semester at LSU.
—-Contact Jerit Roser at [email protected].