Mizzou dismisses QB Maty Mauk for team rules violations, not video

Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk has been dismissed from the team, coach Barry Odom announced Thursday.

“I met with Maty Mauk this morning and informed him of my decision to permanently dismiss him from the football program,” Odom said in a statement released by the school. “When I met with Maty back in December, I wanted to give him an opportunity for a fresh start, but I also made it very clear what our expectations would be moving forward. After gathering information and speaking with a number of individuals this week, it is clear Maty has failed to live up to those expectations by violating team rules in recent weeks.”

Late Monday evening, a video surfaced allegedly showing Mauk snorting a white power off a table. Missouri immediately suspended Mauk while unnamed teammates rushed to his defense, saying the video was old and that Mauk had been turning his life around.

However, Odom said in the statement that the video was not the reason for the dismissal, but that other issues had popped up in recent weeks that drew concern.

“As for the video appearing on social media this week, it is concerning, but we believe it is from a long time ago,” Odom said in the statement. “However, Maty’s failure to live up to expectations in recent weeks was the reason for this decision.

“We believe it is in his best interest to focus on his personal life and his academic career at this time. We remain committed to helping him work through the challenges and earn his degree. Our hope is that he will grow from this and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.”

Mauk, who was the Tigers’ starting quarterback at the beginning of the 2015 season, was suspended twice during the season under former coach Gary PInkel. When Odom was hired in December, he reinstated Mauk, but said he would have high expectations to remain in good standing with the program. However, he did expect Mauk to compete with Drew Lock for the starting role this spring.

With Mauk gone, the Tigers will have two quarterbacks for spring practices — Lock and Marvin Zanders. Quarterback Eddie Printz announced Wednesday his decision to transfer.

** UPDATE **

Mauk issued a handwritten statement Thursday afternoon thanking the Missouri athletic department and apologizing to fans.

For more Missouri news, visit PowerMizzou.com.

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