8 Ga. Southern players suspended for UGA game

Athens - Eight Georgia Southern players are suspended for the season opener on Aug. 30 against No. 1 Georgia, three of who will miss the first two games of the season, according to a report in the Statesboro Herald.

Based on the depth chart in Georgia Southern’s media guide, two projected starters (WLB Terrione Benefield and bandit Ronnie Wiggins) and three second-team players (DE Damon Suggs, WR Raja Andrews and LT Brandavious Mann) will be suspended.

Wiggins started six games last season and finished with 41 tackles. Suggs started all 10 of the games he played, also finishing with 41 tackles. Andrews led the team in receiving last season with 38 catches for 388 yards and three touchdowns.

DE Charwel Brown, RB Zeke Rozier and WR Garryon Taylor also will miss the game.

The Herald’s Web site posted a statement released Wednesday in which Georgia Southern coach Chris Hatcher announced the suspensions, which he said resulted from a “violation of institutional rules.”

“To be a member of the Eagle football program, student-athletes have specific rules to abide by. When the institution’s rules are not followed, then I will take immediate and appropriate action. I am disappointed to announce the suspensions concerning the respective student-athletes, but I expect all to learn from not doing right and make positive contributions to our program this season,” Hatcher said in the statement.