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T.J. Neal, listed as a co-starter at weak-side linebacker for Auburn, was held out of Saturday’s game by head coach Gus Malzahn against Arkansas State. The Tigers went on to win without him, 51-14.
“I didn’t dress him out,” said Malzahn, via al.com. “I chose not to dress him out.”
Neal, a graduate transfer from Illinois, made 109 tackles for the Fighting Illini a season ago. With his productivity, seniority and status on the depth chart as a co-starter, Neal felt he should have played more than he did (two plays on special teams) in the team’s season-opening game against Clemson.
Neal tweeted about his frustrations after the game last week against the No. 2-ranked Tigers. Later, Neal would delete the tweets, calling them selfish and apologizing for them.
- What a night it been for me. A player who have 25 career starts and many stats Sat on the bench all night . Gots be more than life this.
- 245 career tackles , 20TFL’s, 2sack ,1 INT, 1FF and All Big ten honorable mention.
- I been playing football since 5 years old.
- I am a hard worker , I am well mannered and talented young man , who respect others.
- I have the world greatest mother , she drove 12 hours with my 2 sisters to come/support me and see me play two reps on special teams #Thanks
- Frustrated in my feelings !
Malzahn deciding to hold out Neal comes after defensive coordinator Kevin Steele saying earlier in the week that Neal’s tweets wouldn’t affect his playing time.
The Tigers’ next game is scheduled for a 6 p.m. CST start against Texas A&M on Sept. 17 at home. The game will be televised on ESPN or ESPN2 depending on location.
Twitter: @KidCuni
