Inside the Loud House
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Syracuse Football: Amir Ealey & Qaadir Sheppard Dismissed

By David Stone

Oct 17, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Syracuse Orange defensive end Qaadir Sheppard (93) celebrates with teammates after recovering the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Syracuse Orange defensive end Qaadir Sheppard (93) celebrates with teammates after recovering the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /
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One day after National Signing Day and Syracuse football already has to be grateful for it’s incoming class, as they lose two key defensive ends who were dismissed from the program.

As reported by Syracuse.com, Amir Ealey and Qaadir Sheppard have been dismissed from the Syracuse football team. They were suspended indefinitely in November following their second failed drug test, allegedly for marijuana use.

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Before I even get into my opinion on the drug testing situation, I have to say this. What a bonehead move by these two. You’re given a full athletic scholarship to a power-5, D-1 school, and this is how you repay them? Rules are rules. They are there for a reason. Regardless of whether or not the rules are the most efficient or logical,

you have to follow them or suffer the consequences

. In this case, those consequences are the end of their playing careers at Syracuse University.

Personally, I don’t understand why Syracuse has a drug policy when it’s not required by the NCAA, at least not for marijuana. I totally understand testing for harder drugs, PEDs, etc, but marijuana? What college kid hasn’t at least tried it at this point? Heck, it’s legal in some states, and legal medicinally in many.

It offers no on-field advantage, unless you consider getting the munchies to bulk up an advantage. Many studies have indicated that it’s not as harmful as alcohol. So I just don’t get it. Perhaps it’s time for SU to look into changing that policy.

This now leaves Syracuse football in a very tough spot on the defensive line. Currently, they have just two scholarship athletes at the position, Jake Pickard and Kenny Carter, both of whom red-shirted last year and saw exactly zero minutes of playing time. Perhaps that’s a good thing, as they will need to learn an entirely new scheme anyways.

After the departures of Luke Arciniega and Ron Thompson Jr., the line was thin enough. Now it’s even thinner.

Thankfully, Syracuse football’s 2016 recruiting class includes three guys who should all be able to step in at defensive end. Jaquwan Newton, the guy everyone thought would flip to Georgia, now becomes an immediate impact player. Joshua Black and Kendall Coleman are two other recruits who should be able to step in and help out immediately as well.

Next: Syracuse Football: Fans, Be Patient with Dino Babers Please

I also wouldn’t be surprised to see a position change or two. Perhaps one of our linebackers can add a little bulk, or one of the defensive tackles can slide over to help. However it gets done, one thing is for sure, Syracuse football is going to have questions of depth up front. Even one injury could be a major blow to the program this year. I have to wonder if we’re looking at any late enrollees now, or if we might look for a graduate transfer at the position to help out.

Only time will tell how this pans out. One thing is for sure, Dino Babers and staff aren’t messing around. You better have a clean record, and you better be legit. I certainly can’t fault him for that. He’s a man of integrity and his players should be too.

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