John Emery expresses frustration following two-game suspension to begin season

LSU will kick their season off on a Monday night, meeting up with Florida State in New Orleans. However, as head coach Brian Kelly makes his debut, the Tigers will be without their starting running back, John Emery. He will be serving a two-game suspension, with academic issues from last year being the reasoning.

Emery recently expressed his frustration after the announcement of the suspension. He said hard work has been paying off in the classroom, citing his high GPA. Either way, Emery wants the 2022 season to get started so he can get back on the field as soon as possible.

“It is frustrating after all the hard work I put in during school,” Emery said, via WAFB’s Kevin Batiste. “My GPA is a 3.8 or 9. It’s frustrating but I am going to keep going. I won’t let it stop me. No matter what I go through, I still have the opportunity. I have 10 games I can play in so I am just ready for the season to start.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Florida State is the first game of the suspension, while LSU’s home opener against Southern will be the final game. Emery will return on Sept. 17 for the SEC opener, as Mississippi State comes to Baton Rouge. It will mark the running back’s first appearance in a college football game since the 2020 regular season vs. Florida.

Emery rushed for 378 yards and three touchdowns on 75 carries throughout the 2020 season. He did not play last season and now, has a scheduled return date. It’s been a long time coming for the LSU back and he will finally get to move past the issues. Football is almost here for Emery.

Brian Kelly speaks positively of John Emery

Kelly has spoken positively of Emery since taking over the program. He says Emery has done everything right, both on the football field and in the classroom. There was never an official comment on if/when a suspension would come down but Kelly has been supportive of the running back.

“Everything that he’s done for us has been outstanding in football,” said Kelly. “Anything else that arises would not be anything that I can comment on because of privacy rights, so I think you guys can put the rest together.”

The relationship between Kelly and Emery is a new one but thus far, it seems to be working out well for both parties.