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Three Louisiana State University players suspended last week for failing drug tests are expected to be reinstated Tuesday, CBS Sports reported, citing sources.
Head coach Les Miles suspended cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon, and running back Spencer Ware, for Saturday's game against Auburn after the trio reportedly tested positive for synthetic marijuana.
Some initial reports indicated the punishment could be for multiple games, but the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Friday that the players would only miss last Saturday's Auburn game and would return for the top-ranked Tigers' showdown against Alabama on Nov. 5 — the first game between 1-2 teams in the AP poll in five years.
The university has remained mostly silent on the matter, saying it was "handling it as an internal issue." Miles has declined to speak publicly about the suspensions.
Asked following Saturday's 45-10 win about when the players would return, Miles said, "I probably know the answer to that, but I don't want to talk about it."
According to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, synthetic marijuana is a smokable herbal blend that provides a marijuana-like high. The products "consist of plant material that has been coated with research chemicals that mimic THC, the active ingredient in marijuana."
The DEA imposed a one-year "emergency" ban on the synthetic product in March. Several states, including Louisiana, have imposed laws banning it.
Ware is the Tigers' leading rusher with 512 yards and six touchdowns, while Mathieu has been mentioned in the Heisman Trophy discussion for his ability to make game-changing plays. Simon is the Tigers' third cornerback and plays in nickel packages.
