NC State suspends starting RB Shadrach Thornton two games after failed drug test
North Carolina State announced on Thursday running back Shadrach Thornton is suspended for the first two games of the year.
The North Carolina State Wolfpack will be without their leading rusher for the first two games of the season per Brett McMurphy of ESPN. Head coach Dave Doeren did not go into any detail about why running back Shadrach Thornton was suspended, only going as far as saying it was related to a university issue from six months ago. However, McMurphy did shed some light on the subject via Twitter, saying Thornton failed his second drug test.
NC State starting RB Shadrach Thornton suspended 1st 2 games for 2nd failed drug test, source told @ESPN
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) August 27, 2015
Even though the suspension is only two games it does leave a sizable hole in the Wolfpack offense. Thornton led the Wolfpack in rushing yards each of the past three seasons and he managed to set his personal best last year when he tallied 907 yards last season. He finished the year with 1,040 yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns last season.
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For his efforts, he was named to the 2015 ACC All-Preseason Team this summer.
This is not the first time he has run into trouble. He was suspended for the opening game of the 2013 season after being arrested for misdemeanor assault of a female, and then was suspended again in December 2013 after he was cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession. However, the charge was dropped and he was able to play in the 2014 season without missing a contest.
With Thornton suspended for the first two games that means Matt Dayes is likely to move into the starting lineup. He carried the ball for 573 yards and showed he could be a receiving threat out of the backfield, catching 32 passes for 321 yards.
With two home games against Troy and Eastern Kentucky to open up the season, the Wolfpack shouldn’t be in danger of losing those games, but they’re starting the season off on the wrong foot with arguably their best player missing time for failing a drug test, again.
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