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LOGAN, Utah (AP) -- Utah State linebacker Steven Downs, one of five Aggies recently cited by police with marijuana possession, has been dismissed for "repeated violations" of team rules.
The brief statement released Wednesday by coach Brent Guy did not describe the violations. But spokesman Mike Strauss said the drug case was the last straw for Downs.
"Coach Guy is willing to give people a second chance," Strauss said. "If they do something again, he's pretty quick to pull the trigger. This is not Steven Downs' first violation."
Downs, 19, was projected to be a backup linebacker. The Anaheim, Calif., native had four years of eligibility remaining after not playing as a freshman last season.
Downs and four teammates were given misdemeanor marijuana citations July 22 after police responded to complaints of drug use at a Logan apartment.
Guy said the players quickly told him about the incident. The other four -- Kendall Fisher, Marcus Cross, Brennan McFadden and Ryan Tonnemacher -- have been punished and won't miss any games, Strauss said.
This is their first violation of team rules, he said.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APTV-08-02-06 1522MDT
