SMU cuts loose nine football players

Feb 12, 2009 - 5:56 PM DALLAS (Ticker) -- June Jones' first-year struggles continued at Southern Methodist.

Jones released nine players from the football team on Thursday, citing a failure "to adhere to our department policies and/or team rules."

The players' scholarships will not be renewed for the 2009 season. The players are cornerbacks De'Von Bailey and Deyon McElroy, linebackers Taylor Bon, Julian Herron and Alex Odiari, running back Ben Goldthorpe, defensive linemen Jordan Johnson and Anthony Sowe and offensive lineman Andrew Robiskie.

"We are sensitive to the fact that these decisions impact people's lives, and with that in mind, we have made arrangements for these student-athletes for scholarships at other institutions should they wish to continue their education and football careers. We wish these young men the best in their future endeavors," Jones said in a statement.

The Mustangs went 1-11, including 10 straight losses, in their first season under Jones, who came to SMU after a successful stint at Hawaii.