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Missouri dismisses QB Maty Mauk after 'failure to live up to expectations'
Quarterback Maty Mauk has been dismissed from the Missouri Tigers football program, head coach Barry Odom announced Thursday.
“I met with Maty Mauk this morning and informed him of my decision to permanently dismiss him from the football program,” Odom said. "When I met with Maty back in December, I wanted to give him an opportunity for a fresh start, but I also made it very clear what our expectations would be moving forward. After gathering information and speaking with a number of individuals this week, it is clear Maty has failed to live up to those expectations by violating team rules in recent weeks. As for the video appearing on social media this week, it is concerning, but we believe it is from a long time ago. However, Maty’s failure to live up to expectations in recent weeks was the reason for this decision.
"We believe it is in his best interest to focus on his personal life and his academic career at this time. We remain committed to helping him work through the challenges and earn his degree. Our hope is that he will grow from this and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”
Mauk responded Thursday by posting a handwritten note, in which he expressed disappointment but also thanks for the school's support:
— Maty Mauk © (@M_MAUK_7) January 28, 2016
The video that went viral Monday that appears to show Mauk snorting a line of white powder may have actually been taken two years ago and not recently. A source told FOX Sports on Tuesday morning that as part of the school’s ongoing investigation there are some indications that suggest that the video is old. One of those things is the length of the hair of the person in the video. Word is, Mauk had gotten a haircut sometime in early December making his hair shorter, and that would back up that the video isn’t recent.
Mauk previously had been suspended twice due to substance issues, but has been through a counseling program, according to a source.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder threw 42 career touchdown passes and 19 interceptions at Mizzou.
