Hugh Freeze called out for his treatment of former star running back

Stacey Mickles

Hugh Freeze called out for his treatment of former star running back image

After Auburn's recent loss to the Georgia Bulldogs on Saturday, one thing is for certain: head coach Hugh Freeze is in trouble.

The Tigers had a chance to turn their season around if they had defeated Georgia, but now this season is almost lost after what happened Saturday, and things got worse for the Tigers when star running back and captain Damari Alston was kicked off the team.

Freeze had to clear up his statement about Alston after saying the running back "failed to meet the standards and expectations of our program."

"My statement was in no way to be demeaning of Damari's character as a man or a teammate," Freeze said on the Tiger Talk coaches radio show. "I think he's a fine individual, and I've really enjoyed being around him and coaching him."

"Certainly, I don't want anyone to think he's done something awfully wrong or horribly wrong," Freeze continued. "It's just a difference on what moving forward looks like and your commitment level to a team."

The difference of opinion is, according to some, that Alston wanted to redshirt and Freeze wouldn't allow it, and in some circles, Freeze is being called out for that decision. 

Auburn cornerback Amon Lane Ganus reposted something on his Instagram page from Auburn alum Phillip Dukes about the situation, and Alston agreed.

It's becoming apparent every day that Freeze is not only losing support of Auburn alums but is losing support of players as well, and that does not bode well for him the rest of the season. 

 

But that statement 

 

 

Stacey Mickles

Stacey Mickles is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama and has worked for several sports publications, including Sports Illustrated and Saturday Down South. The Birmingham native has also worked in sports information for the Southeastern Conference and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.