Bad news Tigers
Leading rusher Burks latest to flee the mess at Auburn
Posted: Sunday May 30, 1999 07:06 PM
| |
Burks rushed for more than 4,000 yards in his high school career in Kenner, Louisiana. Tom Hauck/Allsport |
AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -- Michael Burks, who led Auburn in rushing
last year as a freshman, has left the football team and will
transfer.
Burks rushed for 480 yards on 151 carries and caught nine passes
for 58 yards last season.
Auburn coaches said they didn't know where Burks would transfer
but said they would help him find a school if he asks. Officials
said Burks might transfer to a school closer to his home in Kenner,
La.
At least eight players have left the team since last season.
Burks and defensive tackle Davern Williams decided to transfer, and
the scholarships of six other players were not renewed after spring
practice.
Burks' departure leaves the Tigers with few proven running
backs. Demontray Carter rushed for 406 yards last season and beat
out Burks for the starting job in spring practice. The next leading
rusher was quarterback Gabe Gross with 97 yards.
Fullback Heath Evans, who rushed for 36 yards during a season
plagued by injuries, will likely be given more responsibility this
season.
Burks rushed for more than 4,000 yards in his career at Rummel
High School in Kenner, La. He began last season as a backup to
Carter, but was a starter by midseason, sharing the tailback
position with Carter.
| Auburned |
| Since coach Terry Bowden's departure from the team in October 1998, the Tigers have endured more than their share of controversy. | |
|
Oct. 23, 1998
|
Coach Terry Bowden abruptly resigns amidst team's worst start (1-5) in 52 years. Bowden later forbidden from criticizing Auburn in exchange for $620,000, a lakeside home and two cars. Assistant Bill Oliver named interim coach.
|
Nov. 17
|
Oliver says he'll retire if not given the permanent head coach job.
|
Nov. 22
|
Alabama drowns Auburn 31-17 in Iron Bowl, ending Tigers' worst season (3-8) since 1952.
|
Nov. 24
|
Oliver withdraws name from consideration for head coach job, stating that the team needs a younger coach.
|
Nov. 28
|
Ex-Mississippi coach Tommy Tuberville introduced as Auburn's new coach.
|
Feb. 5, 1999
|
Auburn pays Florida State $500,000 to opt out of scheduled Sept. 2 opener, replacing FSU with Division I-AA Appalachian State.
|
March 26
|
The Tuberville era begins as the Tigers' new coach opens spring practice to the public.
|
April 24
|
Two players, Demontray Carter and Reggie Worthy, arrested for slapping and pouring beer on a student at an off-campus party.
|
May 24
|
Oliver files suit against Auburn, claiming he was promised the head coaching job and the payoff of a $136,000 loan.
|
May 30
|
Michael Burks, the Tigers' leading rusher last year, leaves the team.
|
|
Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
|
