LSU Football: LSU Headed for Heartache? Two Big Names Face Suspensions

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer)  Les Miles is known for being a tough "by the book" coach when it comes to disciplining players and today it was announced that three of his players face suspensions. They are star cornerback Tyrann "Honey Badger" Mathieu, defensive back Therold Simon and running back Spencer Ware.

Another source close to LSU reveals that failed drug tests could be the reason behind the possible suspensions.

If this is so, the suspensions could be for more than just the Auburn game, which could jeopardize the Tigers chances when they hit the road to pair up against one of their toughest competitors, Alabama.

Miles has never been the type of coach that looks the other way and his hard-nosed reputation means that players caught violating the rules could be looking at at a minimum suspension of three games, possibly more.

There is no gray area here, they were either doing drugs or they weren't. They either passed the test or they didn't.

While Simon was not necessarily an NFL prospect, Ware was likely headed to the NFL and Mathieu was beginning to get Heisman buzz and was a sure NFL early round pick as well.

There has been no official word from LSU and Miles, but in previous situations that were similar to this one they came forward quite quickly with official statements and penalties.

LSU spokesman Michael Bonnette declined to confirm the reports, but did not deny that these players were involved in wrong doing. He did say that Coach Miles would be informed and that nothing would be said publicly as of yet.

Miles will address this in a press conference at 6:00 p.m. central time, according to reports.

It will be interesting to see how Las Vegas odds are affected by this news. Alabama opened up a six-point favorite. Without these players, that is sure to change the line.