Mizzou suspends QB Maty Mauk as it investigates video that surfaced online
Mizzou QB Maty Mauk is back in the news, and it’s not for a good reason.
New Tigers coach Barry Odom has suspended the former starting quarterback indefinitely after a video surfaced online late Monday night that shows someone that looks like Mauk engaged in what could be construed as drug-related activities.
Per MU, Maty Mauk suspended indefinitely from the football program as they gather information on the video that has been circulating.
— David Morrison (@DavidCMorrison) January 26, 2016
The program took swift action with the suspension, with Odom releasing a joint statement with Missouri athletics director Mack Rhoades:
Joint statement from MU AD Mack Rhoades and football coach Barry Odom re: Maty Mauk pic.twitter.com/3PwJXcomqJ
— Tod Palmer (@todpalmer) January 26, 2016
While it is easy to sometimes get caught up in making quick judgments in a situation like this, the official release seems like an appropriate reaction that will be followed with a measured decision once all of the facts are gathered.
According to Palmer, this is the third suspension Mauk will be serving within the last four months, which is not a good sign for his long-term status with the program if the facts involved with the video are not in his favor.
He missed much of the 2015 season due to a pair of suspensions for disciplinary issues that were handed out by Gary Pinkel during his final season as head coach.
Mauk threw for just 654 yards through four games before missing the final eight.
While the video, which can be found here, does not look good, it is important to remember that things aren’t always as they appear:
I'm not making any excuses for the video or for Mauk, but there are plenty of white substances people can snort. 'Allegedly' is your friend.
— Pete Scantlebury (@PeteScantlebury) January 26, 2016
Former Mizzou WR T.J. Moe expressed his frustration with the situation late Monday night:
If there’s no news, Mizzou always makes some.
— T.J. Moe (@TJMoe28) January 26, 2016
We’ll keep you updated as this situation develops.