Auburn University has dismissed linebacker Xavier Atkins following a disciplinary issue that led to his suspension last week. The decision was reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel on Monday evening.
Atkins, who was an All-American last season, had been a crucial player for the Tigers. He recorded 84 total tackles and led the Southeastern Conference with 17 tackles for loss last year. In the current season, he accumulated 37 total tackles and three sacks through the first five games.
Head coach Alex Golesh announced Atkins’ suspension prior to Auburn’s significant upset victory over Georgia. The specifics of the incident leading to his suspension have not been disclosed. Golesh stated that the details would remain confidential, saying, “We’re still working through it… I don’t have an update right now.”
“We’re still working through it,” Golesh said on Monday afternoon, via On3. “I don’t have an update right now.”
Despite Atkins’ absence, Auburn secured a surprising 27-24 victory over then-No. 1 Georgia in Athens, helped in part by kicker Alex McPherson’s last-second 34-yard field goal. Linebackers Elijah Melendez and Bryce Deas filled the gap left by Atkins, combining for 17 total tackles, with Melendez also making a key interception in the third quarter.
Auburn currently holds a 4-2 record for the season and is set to face No. 18 LSU this Saturday.
