Nov 5, 2016; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets running back Dedrick Mills (26) runs with the ball against North Carolina Tar Heels defensive back Dominquie Green (26) at Kenan Memorial Stadium. The North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 48-20. Photo Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
ATLANTA — Sophomore running back Dedrick Mills was dismissed from the Georgia Tech football team on Friday for violating team rules.Mills, the top B-back on the roster, was the top returning rusher for the Yellow Jackets. He compiled 771 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns as a freshman in 2016.
Coach Paul Johnson was a supporter of Mills even in the face of discipline last season. As B-back, Mills is a central figure of the Georgia Tech option offense.
Mills served two suspensions last season for a total of three games.
–Penn State approved a six-year contract extension for head coach James Franklin through at least the 2022 season, the school announced.
The new contract for the football coach will average $5.73 million per year for six years, according to Sports Illustrated and confirmed by ESPN. Franklin was scheduled to make $4.7 million this year under his previous deal.
Penn State athletic director Sandy Barbour announced the agreement after the university board unanimously approved Franklin’s extension.
“James and his staff have done an exceptional job with our football student-athletes and in all aspects of the football program,” Barbour said in a statement. “His values are Penn State’s values and they resonate throughout every member of the organization and team he has built. James is a tremendous leader of young men, motivating them to extend their reach and impact far beyond what they might have thought possible on the field, in the classroom and community. We are excited about continuing to work together to strive to make a lifetime of impact, win championships and celebrate many successes on and off the field along the way.”
–Former Vanderbilt football player Brandon Banks was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in the 2013 gang rape of an unconscious female student.
Banks was found guilty of aggravated rape and aggravated sexual battery in June.
Banks is the third former Vanderbilt player sentenced to jail in the case. Brandon Vandenburg previously received a 17-year sentence and Corey Batey was given a 15-year term.
One other player, Jaborian “Tip” McKenzie, also was charged and pleaded not guilty. He testified against each of the other men in hopes of securing a plea deal.
