Update: ASU Coach Addresses Dismissal of Star Running Back Dyer
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: August 1, 2012
On Wednesday, ASU Coach Guz Malzahn said running back Michael Dyer was dismissed from the team after "new evidence" surfaced following video of a traffic stop in which drugs were involved.
According to KARK 4's Jay Bir, Malzahn said Dyer initially told him drugs were not involved. After learning that they were, Malzahn made the decision to dismiss him.
Coach Malzahn learned of the dashcam video on July 27 and notified Dyer he would 'follow up with him the next day." It was the next day that Malzahn decided to release Dyer from the team.
Ronnell Wright has also been suspended indefinitely.
When asked if he would implement a policy regarding firearms on his team Malzahn recognized that many of his players own guns since many of them hunt but did not say if he would adopt a policy or not.
Malzahn said he does not know the trooper who made stop and was informed of the video by a different trooper.
The coach went on to say he cares deeply for Dyer and wishes him nothing but the best in the future.
Update: (1:00 p.m. Monday)
You can now watch the video of the traffic stop by clicking on the video clip above.
Tonight at 6 p.m., Lauren Trager will break down the clip with subtitles.
Update: (10:50 a.m. Monday)
The Arkansas State Police has revealed it conducted an internal investigation of the March traffic stop involving ASU football's Michael Dyer.
The investigation was confirmed in the following news release out today:
Colonel JR Howard, Director of the Arkansas State Police, has received a final report from the department's Office of Professional Standards and the Command Staff Review Board relative to an internal investigation of a March 10th 2012 traffic stop by State Trooper Royce Denney.
The traffic stop involved two vehicles, one operated by Michael Dyer and the other by Ronnie Wright.
Both drivers were cited by Trooper Denney for speeding 96 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone. The tickets are on file at White County District Court.
A copy of the traffic stop video recording captured by Trooper Denney's patrol car camera has been released under the provisions of the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.
Presently there is a personnel matter associated with the investigation of Trooper Denney pending before Colonel Howard and at this time the department is prohibited from acknowledging any further information about the internal investigation.
Update (7:15 a.m. Monday)
The Arkansas Times has an update on the Michael Dyer situation and ASU sourcing an article in this morning's Jonesboro Sun:
The Sun says the dismissal appears to be related to a traffic stop in March in White County. Dyer was cited for speeding 96 in a 70 mph zone and fined $17 and give five days of community service. But a Sun review of records on the stop indicates that the state trooper who made the stop found another person in the car with a handgun and a substance believed to be marijuana. No charges were filed over these items, apparently.
The Sun obtained the video of the stop, which includes a conversation between Little Rock Christian graduate Dyer and Trooper Royce Denney, who either knew or came to know Dyer was a football player. The videotape shows Denney asking Dyer if the gun is registered.
"Carrying a pistol around? Uncool ... You've got a career ahead of you but you're being a total dumbass right now," the newspaper quotes from the video.
Denney says he could report the incident to Coach Gus Malzahn, but adds: "What's the best way to make you think? You're a grown man and I'm not trying to treat you like a kid." He also reportedly tells Dyer he doesn't want to tell Malzahn about the incident "because of the NCAA crap."
According to the newspaper account of the video, Dyer responds: "I'm done with this. This is my second chance over here." He urged Denney to take the gun. Eventually, Denney turns the camera off.
The newspaper reports that Denney is under investigation for his actions in the traffic stop.
Original Story:
Arkansas State announced it dismissed standout football player Michael Dyer for a violation of team rules, according to a report by CBSsports.com.
"I am truly disappointed that it didn't work out here at ASU for Mike," said coach Gus Malzahn in a release. "I wish Mike nothing but the best in the future."
Dyer was Auburn's leading rusher in 2011, finishing the season with 1,242 yards and 10 touchdowns. After that, a series of issues led to him leaving Auburn and looking to join Malzahn in Jonesboro.
It's unclear exactly what led to Dyer's dismissal from the team.
