Suspended Oregon Ducks quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was kicked off the team Wednesday, two days after a police officer cited him for marijuana possession and driving infractions.
The school issued a statement saying Masoli was kicked off the team because he did not “adhere to obligations” outlined by coach Chip Kelly.
A police officer cited Masoli late Monday on charges of possessing less than one ounce of marijuana, driving with a suspended license and failure to stop when entering a roadway, said Sgt. Tom Botchers of the Springfield (Oregon) Police Department.
Kelly suspended Masoli in March for the entire 2010 season after he pleaded guilty to burglary for his role in the theft of laptops and a guitar from a fraternity.
Masoli remained on scholarship and practiced with the team this spring in hopes of returning for the 2011 season.
Masoli was one of 20 starters returning this season for an Oregon team ranked in the top five of every preseason poll.
Oregon was expected to contend for their second straight Pac-10 championship and the Rose Bowl berth that accompanies it, in addition to contending for a BCS national championship.
With Masoli off the team, Oregon could turn to senior Nate Costa or junior Darron Thomas.
Costa played in four games for the Ducks in 2009, completing 20 of 33 passes for 197 yards and one touchdown. He played in one game during his freshman season in 2006, completing 5 of 5 passes for 73 yards.
Thomas didn’t see any playing time in 2009 and saw limited action in 2008. He’s completed 16 of 33 passes for 268 yards and three touchdowns in his career at Oregon.
Masoli threw for 2,147 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. He also rushed for 668 yards and 13 touchdowns in a season that ended with a Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State.
He leaves Oregon with 1,386 rushing yards, the most ever by a Ducks quarterback.
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