Sep 7, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach James Franklin watches his team warm up before a game against the Austin Peay Governors at Vanderbilt Stadium. The Commodores beat the Governors 38-3. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Tuesday’s news of Vanderbilt WR Chris Boyd’s dismissal from the program means the Commodores do not have the offensive backup they thought they had coming.
Boyd and fellow WR Jordan Matthews were supposed to make up the best receiver tandem in the SEC. Instead, Matthews must carry the load all season.
Vanderbilt coach James Franklin suspended Boyd from the team indefinitely when his involvement in the rape case became apparent. It seemed possible that Boyd would return following a lengthy suspension.
That possibility disappeared Tuesday when the school released in a statement that Boyd’s actions “are clearly inconsistent with the high standards of behavior expected” of the athletes.
As a result, Commodores QB Austyn Carta-Samuels, who has struggled to get players other than Matthews involved in the passing game, must find ways to rely on other potential weapons.
For the football team, Boyd’s dismissal marks the final cord cut from one of the uglier chapters in program history. Four Vanderbilt players, Cory Batey, Brandon Banks, Tip McKenzie and Brandon Vandenburg were kicked off the team for allegedly raping an unconscious 21-year-old in a Vanderbilt dorm room.
Boyd pled guilty Tuesday to a reduced charge stemming from his attempt to cover up the rape. As part of the agreement, the former Commodore will testify against his former teammates.
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