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Three LSU players who were suspended this week for failing drug tests are expected to be reinstated for the top-ranked Tigers' showdown against Alabama, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported Friday.
Head coach Les Miles suspended cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon, along with running back Spencer Ware, for Saturday's game against Auburn. The trio reportedly tested positive for synthetic marijuana.
Some reports at the time of the suspension indicated the punishment could be for multiple games. LSU is off next week, then returns Nov. 5 for the much-hyped showdown against Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
If both teams stay undefeated to that point, the game will likely be a matchup of No. 1 against No. 2, with the SEC West division on the line.
According to the report, the players will have a set of requirements to meet to gain reinstatement.
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.
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," according to the DEA.
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.
