McElrathbey won’t play for Clemson
Published 9:20 pm Saturday, March 8, 2008
CLEMSON: Running back Ray Ray McElrathbey, who gained national attention two years ago for taking custody of his young brother, will not play for the Tigers next season.
Clemson coach Tommy Bowden said in a news release Saturday that McElrathbey, 21, will graduate in August. McElrathbey has two years’ eligibility left and could play for another school or remain at Clemson to pursue a master’s degree.
McElrathbey missed all of last season after knee surgery in September to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament. He has not said what plans to do.
McElrathbey, who is studying sociology, made the academic honor roll in the fall semester while taking 21 hours of classes, the school said.
The Atlanta native took custody of his then 11-year-old brother Fahmarr in 2006 after their parents were unable to care for him.
McElrathbey received national accolades, including the Keith Jackson Award of Excellence on the ESPN college football All-American show and the 2006 FedEx/Football Writers Association courage award.
McElrathbey and Fahmarr, now 13, share an apartment off campus. The two had been living off McElrathbey’s Pell grant, a monthly stipend for living off campus and jobs McElrathbey picked up between his course work and football obligations.
NEBRASKA: Offensive lineman Andy Christensen was arrested early Saturday and accused of sexually assaulting a woman at a bar. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini said the junior has been suspended from the team.
