Report: LSU running back John Emery suspended for two games

According to Brody Miller of The Athletic, LSU Tigers running back John Emery will be suspended for the first two games of the 2022 season. The suspension is based on academic issues from last season, where Emery missed the entire year.

Emery is still attempting to appeal the decision with just two weeks until the season opener. If he does not win his appeal, the running back will miss games against Florida State in New Orleans and a home matchup vs. Southern.

According to Miller, Emery has done everything right since Brian Kelly was named the head coach. Nothing new has come up with the new coaching staff — the suspension is “entirely” from the previous academic issues.

“#LSU sources are adamant John Emery has done everything right, including academically, since Brian Kelly took over and there are no issues with him from new staff,” Miller said via Twitter. “This potential suspension is entirely from previous issues.”

Emery is positioned to be the starting running back this season once he gets back on the field. It’s been since the infamous Florida matchup during the 2020 season when Emery suited up. He rushed for 378 yards and three touchdowns on 75 carries with Ed Orgeron still leading the program.

If the suspension holds, Emery will return in Week 3 for the SEC opener against Mississippi State. Missing out against Florida State will be tough for the Tigers but getting their starting running back in time for conference play will be huge.

Brian Kelly comments on John Emery prior to suspension

Before the suspension for Emery was revealed, Kelly discussed the situation regarding the running back. He would not speak on if any games would be missed but did confirm Emery has done a “great job” with the new coaching staff.

“There’s obviously things that I can’t talk about,” responded Kelly. “He’s in good standing in football. So everything that he’s done, he’s done a great job with us in football.”

Afterward, Kelly was asked if Emery was on track to begin the season with LSU, which he once again plead the fifth. Kelly also reaffirmed that Emery has been good on the football field.

“Everything that he’s done for us has been outstanding in football,” reiterated 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.”