COLLEGE STATION, Texas -- Suspended Texas A&M starting defensive tackle Isaiah Golden withdrew from school, but the Aggies expect him back, coach Kevin Sumlin said.
Sumlin addressed the status of Golden, a sophomore who hasn't practiced this spring while serving a suspension in the wake of an offseason arrest, after the Aggies' practice Thursday.
"He has withdrawn from school, and we expect him back this summer," Sumlin said.
Sumlin would not elaborate on the situation.
Golden, 19, was arrested and charged with possession of fewer than 2 ounces of marijuana Feb. 23 after being spotted by police in a vehicle that was illegally parked in a handicap spot at an area apartment complex. Both Golden and teammate Darian Claiborne, who also was in the car at the time and arrested for a noise violation, were suspended indefinitely from all athletic activities per Texas A&M athletic department policy after their arrests. Neither has practiced since the Aggies started spring football Feb. 28.
Golden appeared in 11 games and started six for the Aggies last season. He recorded 32 tackles and three tackles for loss. Prior to his arrest and withdrawal from school, he was expected to either start or play a prominent role on Texas A&M's defensive line this fall.
"He played about every snap last year," Sumlin said. "Certainly everybody would want him here at practice, but I think what's more important is that he just gets himself together and get back in the right frame of mind and be ready to go summer school-wise."
Sumlin said there has been no change in Claiborne's status and did not indicate a timetable for his return.
