Southern Miss senior Jeremiah Eason and junior Rasham Suarez were ruled ineligible to play on the team, according to NCAA rules.
Both players have been under investigation for their academics, according to multiple ESPN sources.
The university released a statement saying the two would “no longer be able to participate” but did not state the reason behind why Eason and Suarez are ineligible.
“I’m disappointed for these two young men, our new head coach and our basketball program,” said Director of Athletics Bill McGillis. “We appreciate Jeremiah and Rasham’s contributions to the program and want the very best for them as they move forward. Our review with the NCAA of issues raised related to the 2012-13 and 2013-14 academic years remains ongoing.”
Eason and Suarez were two players recruited by former Southern Miss and current Tennessee coach Donnie Tyndall, who spent two seasons with the Golden Eagles.
For the season, Suarez averaged seven points per game while Eason averaged nearly three points per game.
In the previous game against Marshall, Suarez scored nine points and recorded two assists, three rebounds and three steals in 35 minutes and Eason tallied three rebounds, two assists and a steal in 26 minutes.
According to an ESPN source, Suarez will likely go to Puerto Rico to play basketball professionally. As for Eason, there is still a chance he could return to the team.
Southern Miss (6-12, 1-6) currently sits in 13th place in Conference USA. The Golden Eagles play Marshall tonight at Reed Green Coliseum. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
