Corey Sutton Granted Transfer Release by Kansas State, Bill Snyder Apologizes

Wide receiver Corey Sutton announced Friday that he was granted his release from Kansas State University.

As a freshman, Sutton registered four receptions for 54 yards with the Wildcats in 2016.

It isn't yet known where Sutton will transfer, but the first hurdle in the process has been cleared.

In a statement from the school Friday, athletic director Gene Taylor explained the reasoning behind allowing Sutton to leave, per ESPN's Jake Trotter: "After having further dialogue with Coach [Bill] Snyder and the Sutton family, we believe that it is in everyone's best interest to grant Corey his full release. We wish Corey the best as he continues his athletic and academic career."

According to Kellis Robinett of the Wichita Eagle, Sutton said Wednesday that Kansas State was attempting to block all 35 of the schools he listed as potential transfer destinations.

Sutton also revealed a discussion he had with Snyder on the matter: 

"Coach Snyder told me today that when I signed my letter of intent that was my commitment to him, that I was going to be there for four years. I heard that and told him, 'Coaches can leave. So why can't a player leave? You made a commitment to me that you were going to treat me the right way and that's not what you're doing.'"

Speaking Thursday at a booster event, Snyder said the following regarding Sutton, per ESPN.com's Mitch Sherman: "I've never kept a player in our program who's tested positive twice. We have some rules in the athletic department that allowed that to happen this time."

After Sutton announced his departure Friday, Snyder apologized, according to Jeff Rosen of the Kansas City Star: "I spoke out of line and for that I express a sincere regret for my comments. ... I would like to apologize to Corey and his family for my remarks last night which included sensitive, private information."

Sutton denied to Sherman that he had tested positive for anything during his time at KSU.

Sutton is a 6'2" native of Charlotte, North Carolina, who was rated as a 3-star recruit when he committed to Kansas State by Scout.com.