Gophers’ McDonald booted from remainder of preseason camp

Oct 13, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA: Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Andre McDonald (12) drops a pass in the fourth quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at TCF Bank Stadium. The Wildcats won 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Andre McDonald, the talented yet troubled receiver from Hopkins, is in hot water again and will not participate in the remainder of the Gophers’ preseason camp following a violation of team rules.

Jerry Kill told the Pioneer Press on Saturday that he will address the suspension following the conclusion of camp. He did not specify what McDonald did to violate team policies. The Gophers play their first regular season game on Aug. 29 against UNLV.

McDonald was recently reinstated after missing spring practices while dealing with personal issues. He had enrolled in summer school and appeared to be on the right track, but this violation could be his last strike.

In December, McDonald was barred from traveling with the team to Texas to play in the Meineke Car Care Bowl because of a violation of team policies.

A highly-touted recruit out of high school, the sophomore’s suspension will take away talent from an already thin receiver corp. Minnesota lost their leading receiver, A.J. Barker, last season and lost Devin Crawford-Tufts to track and field in the off-season.

McDonald played in eight games for the Gophers and recorded 10 catches for 121 yards in his freshman season.
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