Syracuse Safety Phillip Thomas Suspended For One Year, Orange Career Possibly Done

Update: Thomas tells Andrew Pregler that he is going pro. "I will be heading to the NFL draft."

Syracuse Athletics, you have had better weeks.

We knew that Syracuse Orange starting safety Phillip Thomas was going to be suspended. What we didn't realize is that he has been suspended for an entire year after violating an SU Athletics policy.

Syracuse junior free safety Phillip Thomas has been suspended from the football program for one year for a violation of Athletics Department Policy.

As for what exactly he did and what policy he violated, SU isn't saying, yet. Drug tests have been mentioned at length in the rumor mill.

Basically, that probably means his career at Syracuse is over. What's the point of sticking around if he's only gonna get to play in 2-3 games next season?

As a reminder, Thomas led the Orange in tackles (82) and leads the Big East in interceptions (6) this season.

Jeremi Wilkes will likely get the start at safety when the Orange host the Cincinnati Bearcats next week. Olando Fisher will likely see some playing time at the spot as well.

It's a crushing blow to a defense already reeling and it's a massive loss for Syracuse football in general. I'm sure we'll learn more over the next few days. Sit tight and SMH at will.