FARGO, N.D.–North Dakota State University head football coach Craig
Bohl announced today quarterback Troy Jackson has been dismissed from
the team, and wide receiver/return specialist Shamen Washington,
defensive end Garrett Johnson and quarterback Jose Mohler have been
suspended from the team indefinitely.
“Once the legal and university disciplinary processes are completed, and
I have had a chance to have discussions with these officials about the
outcome of these processes, this could lead to permanent dismissal from
the team,” said Bohl.
Jackson, who was charged with marijuana possession in February, was
dismissed due to repeated, off-field issues unrelated to the possession
charge. Washington, Johnson and Mohler were cited for driving under the
influence.
“The last thing these three need to think about right now is football.
They need to get their personal lives together,” said Bohl. “Playing
football is a privilege, not a right, and the players need to realize
they are held to a higher standard. This type of behavior is not
tolerated, never has been and never will be. It goes against who we are
as a football program.”
Bohl said Washington, Johnson and Mohler will be required to perform
community service during their suspension. This is above and beyond what
the legal system may require. Bohl said he is working with the NDSU
Alcohol and Other Drugs Programs and the Counseling Center on a
long-term drug and alcohol prevention strategy. This is in addition to
the efforts the athletic department is currently doing on an on-going basis.
Jackson, a 6-foot-1, 221-pound senior from Los Angeles, Calif. (Fairfax
H.S.), played in three games after transferring from Los Angeles Valley
College. He completed 3 of 6 passes for 24 yards.
Washington, a 5-foot-6 1/2, 147-pound senior from St. Petersburg, Fla.
(Boca Ciega H.S.), played in three games before being sidelined by a
knee injury in 2008. He had received an NCAA waiver of the five-year
period of eligibility to compete during the 2009 season in January.
Johnson, a 6-foot-4, 256-pound sophomore from Chaska, Minn. (Chaska
H.S.), played in all 11 games including one start in 2008. He recorded
21 tackles including five tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
Mohler, a 5-foot-11, 180-pound redshirt freshman from Cardiff, Calif.
(La Costa Canyon H.S.), was a redshirt in the NDSU football program in
2008.
North Dakota State is scheduled resume spring practice,
weather-permitting, with session No. 3 at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 18, on
the grass practice fields.
The Bison open the season at Iowa State on Sept. 3. NDSU completed the
2008 season with a 6-5 record including a 4-4 mark to tie for
fourth-place in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
