University of Louisville defensive back Terrence Ross has been suspended from the team following a felony charge of assaulting a police officer and misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct. Ross, who played in three games this season, was booked at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections at about 1:30 am Sunday morning.
“The football program is aware of the situation and is continuing to gather information,” U of L football spokesman Rocco Gasparro said. “Terrence Ross has been suspended and the matter will continue to be evaluated.”
Over the course of the season, Ross collected just five tackles, primarily as a reserve defensive back, but saw an increase in playing time during the team’s Belk Bowl appearance when he returned two kicks. The redshirt freshman missed his entire true freshman season due to a torn ACL.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals graduate two of their top six defensive backs and three others have declared themselves eligible for the 2015 NFL Draft. If Ross is able to stay on the roster, he could be considered the team’s top cornerback option and will be relied upon if Louisville hopes to make a run at an ACC Championship.
Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether or not Ross will be able to return to the program or the extent to which the events did or did not occur. The questions should be answered in a potentially make or break off-season for both Ross and the Louisville defense.
The Cardinals wrapped up their 2014 season with a disappointing 37-14 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs in the Belk Bowl. One of the strengths of the nine-win team was their ability to prevent points and filling the potential void of their top six defensive backs could be a major problem for a team hoping to take the next step.
*Section Photo credit to 247 Sports; Featured Photo (above) credit to Andy Lyons, Getty Images
