MOBILE, Ala. — Running back Demetre Baker has been dismissed from the South Alabama football team, head coach Joey Jones told Mobile sports radio station WNSP, and Baker has said he is seeking his release to transfer.
Jones Cites Team Rules Violations
Jones told WNSP that Baker had committed more than 20 violations of team rules. Baker also missed games last season for breaking team rules.
According to Jones, the decision followed a meeting and a vote by the team’s seniors, who voted to remove Baker from the team.
Baker Seeks Release
Baker said on social media that he wants his transfer papers, though that post was later removed. In an interview with SunBeltInsider.com, Baker said he has been barred from “offices and campus facilities.”
Baker took part in spring drills and practices this spring after being ruled ineligible following the fall semester.
Background
Baker was among the running backs on the South Alabama roster during the 2012 season, the Jaguars’ first as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. During spring practice in 2012, he led the team in rushing in the Jaguars’ second spring scrimmage and scored a touchdown on a short run.
South Alabama plays its home games at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
