Newsday
Gwaltney won't play in Sugar Bowl
BY CHRIS ANTONACCI
STAFF WRITER
December 13, 2005, 3:36 PM EST
Jason Gwaltney's status with the West Virginia football team has not changed, and the record-setting running back from North Babylon will not play against Georgia in the Jan. 2 Sugar Bowl in Atlanta.
"He's not on the team," West Virginia coach Rich Rodriguez said on a Tuesday teleconference. "Until he has made a commitment to do the things he needs to do, he won't be on the team. He has not done them."
On Nov. 15, Gwaltney was suspended because the freshman missed classes, study halls and rehabilitation sessions. The freshman has not played since spraining his right knee on Oct. 8 against Rutgers.
Gwaltney has rushed for 186 yards on three touchdowns on 45 attempts and caught four passes for 15 yards while playing in six games this season.
Gwaltney holds the Long Island career record for rushing yards (7,800), touchdowns (135) and points (828). Last year, he led North Babylon to its first Class II Long Island title since 2002 before choosing West Virginia over Southern California and Ohio State.
Rodriguez did not indicate whether Gwaltney will transfer.
"He should be taking finals as far as I know," Rodriguez said. "I have not seen him."