While coach Paul Pasqualoni said Thursday that running back Diamond Ferri had been suspended for academic reasons, sources on the team said Ferri was suspended for failing a drug test.

Ferri, a sophomore, neither confirmed nor denied the suspension stemming from drug use and said he does not know how long he will be away from the team.

“I honestly have no clue about that,” Ferri said Saturday from his South Campus apartment. “If it’s a team policy, then it’s something that’s on the team. That’s all I have to say.”

When asked when he took his drug test, Ferri replied, “It’s confidential.”

If eligible, Ferri is expected to compete with redshirt freshman Walter Reyes to replace James Mungro at tailback.

Pasqualoni did not return multiple messages left with his secretary Friday, and he could not be reached this weekend.

Director of Athletic Communications Sue Edson said the university will not comment on drug test results, nor will it release information regarding its drug testing policies.

According to the Student-Athlete Handbook, the university randomly screens athletes for substances using a standardized urinalysis procedure.

The Student-Athlete Handbook states: “The frequency of testing and the selection of those to be tested may be weighed more heavily by sport at the discretion of the team physician.”

Student-athletes testing positive for the first time can appeal to the director of athletics, team physician and head coach. If the positive test result is upheld, the athlete is required to attend drug counseling and rehabilitation, according to the handbook. The athlete is also ineligible until the head coach notifies the athlete’s parent or guardian.

The 5-foot-10, 206-pound Ferri, from Everett, Mass., has rushed for 256 yards on 59 carries over two seasons. He appeared in 10 games this past season, rushing for 155 yards.

Published on April 7, 2002 at 12:00 pm