Elon player out after Twitter rant

photo In this file photo, Elon senior running back Jamal Shuman runs for the end zone as UTC's Jaron Norflett gives chase. (Brad Coville/Freedom News Service)

Elon senior running back Jamal Shuman became a national name online Monday when his Twitter tantrum following the loss to Wofford last Saturday spread all over the Internet.

Shuman, whose expletive-filled posts mainly concerned his lack of playing time, paid a heavy price for his comments. The Burlington (N.C.) Times-News reported Tuesday that Shuman had been suspended indefinitely.

A second-team All-Southern Conference pick after the 2009 season in which he rushed for 677 yards, Shuman missed most of the 2010 season because of injury and had just 81 yards on 22 carries in nine games this season. He had one catch for 5 yards and no rushing attempts against Wofford.

Based on his posts, which were chronicled on the popular website Deadspin.com, Shuman didn't seem aware that people beyond his group of followers could see what he was writing on his public account.

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga coach Russ Huesman said his players are made aware during the preseason of the program's policies on social networking site activities.

Part of that policy: "Inappropriate comments or criticism of any fellow student-athletes, coaches or athletics department staff and inappropriate pictures or other content will be subject to discipline and could lead to dismissal from the team."

Huesman reiterated that to the Mocs following Tuesday's practice.

Coleman practices

For the first time since he took a hard lick on his right shoulder against Georgia Southern on Oct. 8, UTC quarterback B.J. Coleman had on shoulder pads and practiced Tuesday.

"It just felt good to have pads on and be back out there with the guys," he said with a big smile on his face, adding that the shoulder felt good.

Coleman hasn't yet been cleared for contact after suffering a sprained shoulder, and his status for Saturday's game remains uncertain.

Huesman said during Tuesday's media luncheon that Coleman is "day to day." Coleman threw his first passes since the injury last Wednesday, and the time on the sideline has also helped his badly sprained ankle heal.

The Mocs might have one of the top defenses in the SoCon, but Huesman and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller weren't too pleased with Tuesday's showing in practice. Huesman also stressed "the little things" throughout practice.

Buses lined up

UTC is providing three buses for students and fans to go to Saturday's noon EDT game at Samford. Two of the buses are reserved for full-time students, who can go free but must pre-register at GoMocs.com. Fans are welcome for $60, or $50 for UTC Mocs Club members (and $45 for anyone who already has a game ticket).

The buses will leave at 8 a.m. from McKenzie Arena, and breakfast and a lunch voucher are included.

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