Hugh Freeze declines to confirm or deny Auburn athletic department suspensions
Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze spoke to reporters Tuesday in Destin, Fla, at the Southeastern Conference spring meetings. It was his time in front of mics since May 18th, when Auburn University released an email stating multiple suspensions for athletic department violations.
Reporters thought the email responded to inquiries about possible discipline for running back Jarquez Hunter after an explicit video emerged from an account that later got suspended. Allegations ran rampant that at least one participant didn’t consent to being recorded and sharing the video.
“We are aware of the situation and take this matter very seriously,” the University said to reporters who sent various emails with Jarquez Hunter in the subject line. “The appropriate offices are conducting a thorough review. Indefinite suspensions have been issued for violation of applicable Auburn Athletics department policy. No further comment will be provided at this time.”
Auburn representatives sent a subsequent email an hour later saying the statement wasn’t directly related to Hunter. When further pressed, the school wouldn’t confirm or deny if the athletic department members getting suspended were student-athletes or from which sport.
A source did confirm to AL.com that the suspensions were related to a video that surfaced on social media and was later removed. However, there was no clarity about what was in the footage, how many people were suspended, or their roles in the Auburn athletic department.
Freeze naturally got asked about the suspensions and kept a short response.
“We don’t comment on individuals and their status with any disciplinary issues within our school,” Freeze told reporters in Destin on Tuesday. “So I really don’t have a comment on that.”
Freeze’s response and the University leave more questions than answers. Who’s suspended and why? These are the main questions. We’ll continue to wonder until Freeze or the school sheds more light.
Nubyjas Wilborn covers Auburn for Alabama Media Group.