Wide receiver Darrius McNeal and linebacker Vance Fizer, both juniors, have been dismissed from the University of Central Arkansas football team, according to head coach Clint Conque.
Conque said the pair was dismissed because of a pattern of violations of team standards.
“Both have had been given second chances and many opportunities to buy into the team concept,” Conque said. “It became time to move on.”
McNeal, from Monroe, La., a regular on the Bears’ four-wide packages, had earlier been suspended for a game and a half against Hawaii and Western Kentucky. He had come back to catch 18 passes this season, including a 73-yard touchdown in the second half against Western Kentucky.
Fizer, from Houston, played in all 12 games last season and made six starts with 30 tackles and one tackle for loss. He had seven pass breakups last season, including three against UC Davis and a key one in the end zone at the end of the game against Southeastern Louisiana. This season, he had fallen on the depth chart and had three tackles and one solo.
“I appreciate the contributions both have made to our football program the last two years and both have made key contributions,” Conque said. “I told both that I will support them whether they want to remain here for their education or I would help them transfer.”
