LSU sophomores Tyrann Mathieu and Spencer Ware will be suspended for Saturday’s game against Auburn after reportedly failing a drug test, a source told The Daily Reveille on Wednesday.
Sophomore starting cornerback Tharold Simon is also expected to be suspended, sources told The Times-Picayune. The Times-Picayune also reported the players tested positive for synthetic marijuana.
LSU officials and coach Les Miles refused to confirm any reports surrounding the possible suspensions.
“I certainly understand the interest surrounding what seems to be news,” Miles said. “The problem with that news is it’s internal discipline and internal function of a team. I’m not inclined to be forthcoming with information. I’m not reactionary to the needs of the media and things external to squad.”
Miles called the reports of failed drug tests “way left of center” and said he expects LSU to take the field “ably manned” against Auburn.
Mathieu has been the nation’s premier defensive back through seven games, earning the nickname “Honey Badger” and heaps of Heisman hype with four forced fumbles, two interceptions and two touchdowns on defense and special teams.
Ware has started all seven games at running back and is the leader of a powerful Tiger rushing attack with 512 yards and six touchdowns.
Simon is fourth on the team with 29 tackles, has nabbed an interception and leads LSU with nine pass break-ups.
The players involved took to Twitter in vague language Wednesday night.
Mathieu tweeted, “If you don’t have anything positive to say just quit it, Life is a long test full of obstacles and split second praying.”
Miles said he isn’t concerned with the team’s focus, referring to the way LSU handled August’s Shady’s bar fight incident and Shepard’s suspension early in the season.
“This football team might well understand what a distraction is,” he said. “I don’t know that I’ve seen a change in their get