August 5, 2003

FURMAN'S WEST, SUDDERTH SUSPENDED
INDEFINITELY FOLLOWING ARREST

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Furman University head football coach Bobby Lamb announced today that juniors Isaac West and Willis Sudderth have been suspended indefinitely pending university disciplinary action after the two were arrested by campus police Thursday morning.

According to the arrest report, West, 21, a wide receiver from Augusta, Ga., and Sudderth, a tight end from Lilburn, Ga., 20, were taken into custody and charged with grand larceny after removing a tent from campus. In addition, Sudderth was charged with possession of a controlled substance after small amounts of marijuana were found in his vehicle.

Both players have applied for admission into Greenville County's pretrial diversion program for non-violent crime first offenders.

"We're very disappointed in the events that took place last Thursday involving Isaac and Willis and the impact their behavior has had on our football program and the university community," Lamb said. "We expect Furman student-athletes to be great citizens and to understand how their actions affect their teammates and others. Since we're now faced with a situation where it will take some time to sort out what disciplinary action will be taken from a legal and university standpoint, I am announcing an indefinite suspension of both players."

Student disciplinary matters are handled through the office of vice president for Student Services Dr. Harry Shucker, who is out of town until next week.

West and Sudderth were both recently named to the preseason All-Southern Conference squad. A year ago West caught 39 passes for 708 yards and a team leading seven touchdowns despite missing three games with a fractured collarbone. Sudderth, meanwhile, earned his second consecutive all-conference honor in 2002 after catching eight passes for 103 yards and a touchdown.