College Football

Auburn S Demetruce McNeal dismissed after marijuana arrest

The senior defensive back's status with the team is still up in the air, according to a report.

By Ethan Rothstein@ethanrothstein Aug 17, 2013, 3:40pm EDT

Update: McNeal is gone. "We have high expectations both on and off the field for our players," said coach Gus Malzahn.

Auburn senior safety Demetruce McNeal was arrested and charged with second-degree marijuana possession in Alabama recently, according to Al.com. McNeal did not practice with the team Saturday.

McNeal was released on $500 bond, according to jail records, but his future with the team is not yet determined, Al.com writer Brandon Marcello reports. Head coach Gus Malzahn didn't address McNeal's legal issues after Saturday's practice.

"Just found out about the situation this morning," Malzahn said to reporters. "I haven't had chance to talk with him but I'll find out all the information and we'll decide what we'll do."

McNeal is the team's leading returning tackler and was named a fourth-team preseason All-SEC selection. The team has struggled with defensive back depth during training camp, moving quarterback Kiehl Frazier to safety and shifting over cornerback Josh Holsey in the spring.

McNeal's arrest is just another in tough times for him this offseason. He contracted a staph infection and had to undergo surgery and practiced for just the first time in the fall on Monday.