Rizor dismissed from ASU football team
by Steve Behr Sports Editor
Appalachian State senior linebacker John Rizor was dismissed from the football team effective immediately for “violation of team rules,” according to a news release.
In addition, sophomore quarterback Kalik Barnes will not be allowed to play in any games in 2012, but will be allowed to practice during the season. He will also be allowed to keep his scholarship.
Barnes was also disciplined for a violation of team rules. The rules broken were not specified by the university.
“John and Kalik made decisions that are not consistent with what we expect from members of our program,” head coach Jerry Moore said in the news release. “My hope is that this will serve as a learning experience not only for John and Kalik but for every player in our program.”
Rizor and Barnes were not immediately available for comment.
Rizor, a 6-foot-3, 256-pound Fayetteville native, was a returning starter in the “bandit” position, which is a hybrid of a down lineman and a linebacker, depending on the defensive formation. Rizor finished with 65 tackles last year, including nine that went for 41 yards in losses. He had four sacks for minus 33 yards, and had eight quarterback hurries.
Rizor also had eight tackles and a sack on the final play of the game in a 24-17 ASU win over Georgia Southern.
Barnes is fourth on the Appalachian State quarterback depth chart. He redshirted his freshman season and followed with an outstanding spring practice in 2011. Barnes struggled with injuries during the 2012 spring workouts and was demoted to fourth string behind starter Jamal Jackson and backups Kameron Bryant and Logan Hallock.
Barnes, a 6-0, 200-pound Atlanta product, played in two games last season. He did not throw a pass, but ran five times for 29 yards.
In addition, sophomore quarterback Kalik Barnes will not be allowed to play in any games in 2012, but will be allowed to practice during the season. He will also be allowed to keep his scholarship.
Barnes was also disciplined for a violation of team rules. The rules broken were not specified by the university.
“John and Kalik made decisions that are not consistent with what we expect from members of our program,” head coach Jerry Moore said in the news release. “My hope is that this will serve as a learning experience not only for John and Kalik but for every player in our program.”
Rizor and Barnes were not immediately available for comment.
Rizor, a 6-foot-3, 256-pound Fayetteville native, was a returning starter in the “bandit” position, which is a hybrid of a down lineman and a linebacker, depending on the defensive formation. Rizor finished with 65 tackles last year, including nine that went for 41 yards in losses. He had four sacks for minus 33 yards, and had eight quarterback hurries.
Rizor also had eight tackles and a sack on the final play of the game in a 24-17 ASU win over Georgia Southern.
Barnes is fourth on the Appalachian State quarterback depth chart. He redshirted his freshman season and followed with an outstanding spring practice in 2011. Barnes struggled with injuries during the 2012 spring workouts and was demoted to fourth string behind starter Jamal Jackson and backups Kameron Bryant and Logan Hallock.
Barnes, a 6-0, 200-pound Atlanta product, played in two games last season. He did not throw a pass, but ran five times for 29 yards.