Kansas notes: Rodriguez Coleman, Corey Avery suspended from Jayhawks football program

Kansas senior receiver Rodriguez Coleman and sophomore running back Corey Avery missed Saturday’s spring game while serving indefinite suspensions for a “violation of team rules,” KU coach David Beaty said.

“Their future is uncertain,” Beaty said.

Coleman, a former junior-college transfer, was expected to contribute heavily in a particularly thin receiving corps. Avery, meanwhile, rushed for 631 yards in 151 carries last season as a true freshman. He also hauled in 18 receptions, which makes him Kansas’ leading returning receiver in the program.

Beaty did not disclose the specific reason for either suspension. Coleman was arrested last December on a charge of battery after being involved in a late-night incident at a Lawrence bar that also included KU basketball player Jamari Traylor being arrested on a charge of “interfering with the duties of a police officer”.

It’s not clear, though, whether that incident was the reason for Coleman’s current status.

New receivers catch on

With Coleman sitting out, Beaty and receivers coach Klint Kubiak got a look at some new faces in the receiving corps. Senior Shakiem Barbel finished with five catches for 78 yards and a touchdown for the Blue team, while redshirt freshman Tyler Patrick had four catches. Senior Tre’ Parmalee added five catches for 28 yards.

“We’re going to find our best 11 guys, and if you’re one of those guys, you’re not going to be standing by me,” Beaty said. “So we will not hesitate to move you and put you in another spot. At receiver, we play our best four.”

Score one for the Class of ’48

Saturday’s festivities began with an alumni flag football game before KU’s spring game. The game was highlighted by a touchdown from former KU football player Bryan Sperry, an 89-year-old who played football at Kansas from 1946-48. Sperry, who lives in Pittsburg, Kan., said he actually began his college career at K-State before leaving school to serve in World War II. He returned home in 1946 and made the KU football team in an open tryout.

“There aren’t many people that are letterman at both KU and K-State,” said Sperry, who later worked as a high school football coach and math instructor at Pittsburg State.

This story was originally published April 25, 2015 at 5:31 PM with the headline "Kansas notes: Rodriguez Coleman, Corey Avery suspended from Jayhawks football program."