Tennessee dismisses troubled tailback Coker

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Sophomore tailback LaMarcus Coker, who'd shown flashes of brilliance on the field during his brief University of Tennessee career, has run out of chances off the field.

Coker was dismissed from the team Friday after failing his fourth drug test, sources told ESPN.com. Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer announced Coker's dismissal in a release issued by the university.

"As I've had a chance to further investigate and talk to others close to the situation, I have decided to dismiss LaMarcus from the team because he did not do what was asked of him," Fulmer said. "I want a positive environment for our athletes to learn and grow. This is what is right for the young men on our team and for the program."

Coker had been suspended on Wednesday for this weekend's Louisiana-Lafayette game after missing multiple drug counseling sessions as required for offenders of Tennessee's drug-testing policy. As a result, he was ordered to submit to a drug test with the knowledge that he would be dismissed if the test came back positive. Those results were delivered to Tennessee officials today, and Coker was subsequently dismissed.

Fulmer and offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe plan to meet with Coker to discuss his playing options elsewhere, perhaps at the Division I-AA level. Coker had backed up junior Arian Foster at tailback this season and was the Vols' leading rusher in 2006. His kickoff return last week against South Carolina set up the tying field goal to send that game into overtime.

"As a coach, my first obligation is to the growth of the young men with whom I'm entrusted," Fulmer said. "Sometimes, that means encouragement and mentoring. Sometimes it means helping them understand the consequences of their decisions. LaMarcus is a talented young man with a lot of life in front of him. It is my hope that he will look back at this one day as a life lesson that helped him get things straight for his future."

Tennessee earlier this year revamped its drug-testing policy, and in doing so, added a fourth strike for a positive marijuana test before an athlete was dismissed. The old policy stipulated that an athlete was booted on the third positive test. Marijuana is the only drug an athlete would be able to reach a fourth strike for under Tennessee's new policy. Cocaine, heroin or anabolic steroids would be dealt with more harshly.

Coker was suspended for two weeks in the preseason and for the opener against California after testing positive a third time for marijuana, sources told ESPN.com. He spent time at an off-campus treatment center before returning to the team in late August. Under Tennessee's drug policy, athletics director Mike Hamilton has the final say on whether or not an athlete is reinstated.

Fulmer said at the time that Coker was down to his last chance and understood that "a line has been drawn in the sand."

Coker was also suspended for part of the practices leading up to the Outback Bowl last year, although he was allowed to play in the game.

With Coker gone, the Vols' once deep tailback stable has suddenly thinned. Foster will remain the main cog, but sophomore Montario Hardesty is coming off an ankle injury suffered last week against South Carolina. True freshman Lennon Creer will also see his role increase, although he's experienced some recent soreness in his knee.

Chris Low is a college football writer for ESPN.com.

Source: ESPN.com