A Texas A&M defense that struggled to stop opponents last season lost two key contributors Tuesday when linebacker Darian Claiborne and lineman Isaiah Golden were dismissed from the team for their off-field troubles the same day they were arrested.
"These two individuals have failed to meet the high expectations and standards that we have for our football players and as representatives of this university," Texas A&M head coach Kevin Sumlin said in a statement. "These two players have exhibited a pattern of behavior that we will not tolerate at Texas A&M."
While no reason was given for the dismissals, arrest warrants were issued for both of them Tuesday stemming from a May 23 robbery in College Station. Both were charged with aggravated robbery.
According to a news release from the police department, three individuals tried to buy marijuana from the duo. When Claiborne and Golden arrived at the scene, one of them produced a handgun, pointed it at an individual while the other took money. The suspect carrying the gun also hit one of the individuals before the duo fled on foot.
Both Claiborne and Golden were arrested Wednesday without incident and are being held on $120,000 bail.
Claiborne, one of Texas A&M's top tacklers as a freshman, was suspended for A&M's bowl game after an arrest for possession of marijuana. He was then suspended indefinitely earlier this year for another rest for a noise violation. Golden, who also saw significant playing time as a freshman, was also arrested on a marijuana charge in the February incident with Claiborne.
Claiborne, 19, played in 12 games for the Aggies, totaling 89 tackles and 1 ½ sacks. His 89 tackles led all SEC freshmen and he started the final nine games of the season. Golden, 20, also played in 12 games, starting six, and had a hand in 30 tackles.
