Martin: Alleva to decide if suspended Tigers will play against Alabama

LSU Chancellor Michael Martin says with his consultation, Vice Chancellor and Athletic Director Joe Alleva will decide whether three suspended football players will return to the team in time for the Tigers’ showdown with Alabama in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 5, USA Today reports. Martin says the players will only be reinstated when they “get their act together.” Martin addressed the suspensions of running back Spencer Ware and cornerbacks Tyrann “Honey Badger” Mathieu and Tharold Simon shortly after testifying about NCAA reforms before the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics. “The athletic director will ultimately make the decision, (and) he’ll consult with me,” Martin was quoted as saying when asked about possible reinstatement. “Fortunately for them and the team, they have two weeks to get their act together because we have a bye week. They have been directed to some counseling, and they will now be subject to greater scrutiny for the remainder of their time at LSU.” Martin would not address media reports that last week’s suspensions stem from the three testing positive for synthetic marijuana. Martin says player suspensions this year, including those of quarterback Jordan Jefferson and linebacker Josh Johns prior to the season start, have everyone at LSU “very concerned.” “We expect a lot of these kids, and it does come with a responsibility,” he told reporters. “If you’re going to play at a Division I major, visible program, I don’t care who you are or where you come from, you’ve got to quickly grasp what that means as a responsibility.”