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This file photo released by the Clemson University Sports Information office shows Ray Ray McElrathbey and his 11-year-old brother Fahmarr, left, during Clemson's football game against Florida Atlantic, Saturday, Sept. 2, 2006, in Clemson, S.C. McElrathbey, who took custody of his brother last year, was suspended from the team for at least four practices because of academic concerns. (AP Photo/Clemson University Sports Information, Mark Creamer) |
Clemson suspends RB McElrathbey
CLEMSON, S.C. --Clemson running back Ray Ray McElrathbey, who took custody of his 12-year-old brother last year, was suspended from the team for at least four practices because of academic concerns. Coach Tommy Bowden said McElrathbey return to the team after spring break if he gets his class work in order.
McElrathbey is raising his brother, Fahmarr, because of their mother's drug addiction. Bowden was asked if McElrathbey's numerous responsibilities led to academic problems.
"I think we have been awful patient in that regard," Bowden said. "We've gone above and beyond the call of duty."
McElrathbey, 20, said he expected to return to the team.
"I've got some academic matters I have to take care of," McElrathbey said Saturday through Clemson's sports information office. "I will take care of those matters and plan to be back at practice after spring break."
McElrathbey made headlines last fall when he took custody of his brother and won several humanitarian awards. Last month, he was presented the 2006
The rising sophomore was not on the field when the Tigers started spring practice Saturday.
McElrathbey was switched from defensive back to running back before the Tigers bowl game. He is listed third on Clemson's depth chart and is expected to see action in behind the Tigers running stars James Davis and C.J. Spiller.
"It hurt him and the team" for McElrathbey to miss the practices, Bowden said.
The McElrathbey brothers share an apartment and had been living off Ray Ray's Pell grant, monthly stipend for living off campus and whatever odd jobs the older brother could pick up between his course work and football obligations.
After Ray Ray gained custody of Fahmarr last year, Clemson applied for -- and the NCAA approved -- a waiver of the governing body's extra benefits rule. That allowed Clemson's coaches, staffers and their family to help the McElrathbeys with rides to and from Fahmarr's middle school.
The NCAA also agreed that Clemson could set up a trust fund for the McElrathbeys, where money donated by well-wishers could be withdrawn to help Ray Ray raise Fahmarr.
About $50,000 was donated within the first few weeks. The figure had nearly doubled by Thanksgiving, when trust administrators stopped making the total public, at the request of Ray Ray McElrathbey.
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