Kevin Whaley: Minnesota Gophers Dump a Thug

Less than a week after being suspended by the Minnesota Golden Gophers, 21-year-old Kevin Whaley asked for a release from his football scholarship.

Due to his propensity for getting into trouble and the glut of incoming running backs, this was an easy decision for head coach Tim Brewster. 

The Gophers ranked last in the Big 10 in rushing; Whaley totaled 367 yards and two touchdowns.

Before Whaley had even suited up with the team, he was shot in the leg outside a nightclub in Virginia Beach. Later, he was arrested in Minneapolis after an altercation with security. Police had to tackle him by his dreadlocks.

That happens to be my preferred way to tackle long-haired football players.

Just a few hours after losing the Insight Bowl, Scottsdale, Ariz. police arrested Whaley early Jan. 1. He was booked on assault and disorderly conduct charges, after allegedly assaulting Club Afterlife security.

Gophers offensive lineman Ryan Wynn, 20, was also arrested in Tempe, Ariz. on Jan. 1. Wynn is charged with alcohol consumption by a minor after blowing a 0.172.

Athletic director Joel Maturi says they will deal with the situation, “as we deal with all of the issues that some of our young people get involved with.”

From the moment Brewster arrived in Minnesota, players have been routinely getting involved in alcohol-related incidents.

But the most serious problem during Brewster's time in Minnesota occurred right after he arrived, when four of his players were kicked off the team for the suspected rape of a student.

Despite these problems, Maturi has said contract extension negotiations are in the works for Brewster.

Notes : The Gophers have offered Florida cornerback Khambrel McGee a scholarship. McGee is committed to Florida International but is visiting the Gophers on Jan. 22.

Former Gopher assistant Reggie Mitchell is returning to Kansas to be the running backs recruiting coordinator. He served under Glen Mason at both schools.

Another former Glen Mason assistant, Tony Petersen, returns to his alma mater Marshall University as assistant head coach, co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He was the co-offensive coordinator at Minnesota.

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