The Missouri Tigers picked up picked up a 29-point victory in the season opener over Missouri State. With that said, the team's defense struggled mightily in allowing 43 points and, now, Missouri has less than ideal news when it comes to senior defensive tackle A.J. Logan.
The 6'2", 325-pound defensive lineman will be out for the first six games (the next five after missing the opener) as a result of an NCAA academic fraud investigation. Tod Palmer of the Kansas City Star brings details, including a statement from Logan himself.
"I am looking forward to representing Mizzou on the football field as a senior this fall. However, I want to let Tiger fans know that I will not be playing during our first six games this season. Please understand that I accept this penalty as a consequence of my actions and that I have fully cooperated with both the University and the NCAA throughout the review process.
While I am saddened that I will mix six games of my senior year, I know in my heart that I have told the truth, cooperated with the university and NCAA, and taken full responsibility for my actions. I believe my integrity remains intact, and I am now focused on working hard in the classroom and on the field in the weeks ahead. I look forward to our team having a great season and am sorry that I will not be with my brothers early on, but I will continue to work with them and be prepared when I return."
This reads as a heartfelt statement and, if he returns on schedule, Logan will be back in the lineup against Idaho on Oct. 21. It will be interesting to see if there is additional fallout, either for the team or the player, in the coming days but academic fraud is always a serious allegation and the punishment speaks for itself.
