DURHAM, North Carolina -- Duke coach Ted Roof will have
to find a new quarterback this fall.
The university on Wednesday suspended sophomore signal-caller
Zack Asack for a violation of school policies. He will miss the
2006 season.
"I am on academic suspension for plagiarism," Asack said. "I
made a mistake and am remorseful. I take full responsibility
for my actions. I wish the team well and look forward to
returning next summer. I love it here at Duke."
A native of Westwood, Massachusetts, Asack started six of the
Blue Devils' final seven games last year. He completed
90-of-180 passes for 966 yards with five touchdowns and eight
interceptions and ran for two more scores for Duke, which went
1-10, including 0-8 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
"Sometimes great young men make poor decisions and that is that
is the case in this situation," Roof said. "While I certainly
don't condone his actions, I have been impressed with the manner
in which Zack has handled this issue. I fully support Zack and
am confident that he will grow in many areas as a result of
this situation.
"When you are part of a family and make an uncharacteristic
mistake, you are not kicked out of the family. Zack will remain
part of the Duke football family and will be supported by
everyone in our program."
While Asack will be eligible to return to Duke in the summer of
2007, three other Blue Devils will not. Roof announced that
senior wide receiver Deon Adams, sophomore safety Andreas Platt
and redshirt freshman offensive lineman Joe Suder have been
dismissed from the program for violating team regulations.