SU Athletics officially announced Friday that junior free safety Phillip Thomas has been suspended for one year by the SU Football program. A Friday press release from SU Athletics indicates that the punishment was implemented due to "a violation of Athletics Department Policy". No other details were given on what exactly Thomas did to be suspended.
The loss of Thomas for the final two games of the season is seemingly a big hit to the program. Thomas' 82 tackles in 10 games leads the team, and his 6 interceptions leads the entire Big East Conference. The Orange, who are on their bye week, have two more games left against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh and need one more victory to make themselves Bowl eligible.