Freshman defensive ends Amir Ealey and Qaadir Sheppard were suspended indefinitely from the Syracuse football team due to two failed drug tests each, according to Nate Mink of Syracuse.com.

The second failed drug test results in a suspension, “equaling a minimum of 50 percent of an academic year’s competition regular schedule,” per the report.

Whether Ealey and Sheppard can participate in team activities like offseason workouts is unclear.

In March, the NCAA released a report on Syracuse that found the athletic department didn’t follow its drug policy.

Ealey and Sheppard’s indefinite suspension from the Orange for a violation of team rules was announced in a press release after its 37-27 loss to Clemson on Saturday. Neither one played against the Tigers.

Syracuse head coach Scott Shafer was asked on Tuesday when they would return, but he reiterated that the suspension is indefinite.

Sheppard has played in nine games this season and has recorded a tackle and an interception. Ealey has one tackle in seven games this season.

Published on November 18, 2015 at 12:32 pm

Contact Paul: pmschwed@syr.edu | @pschweds