East Tennessee State University football coach Randy Sanders has been suspended for hitting a player during practice.
According to a report from the Johnson City Press, Sanders has been suspended with pay while ETSU investigates the matter.
Two people close to the matter reported that Sanders hit Tyree Robinson, a freshman defensive back from Gainesville, Ga. Sanders was reportedly upset with Robinson for not taking a knee during a practice drill.
“The head coach of the ETSU football team has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the investigation of potential violation of university policy,” ETSU announced in a statement.
Sanders is just over three months into an incentive-laden contract that has a base salary of $255,000.
ETSU will have no head coach or offensive coordinator for its spring game, which is set for Thursday. Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield has accepted a job with Baylor. Defensive coordinator Billy Taylor will run the defense, while wide receivers coach Mike Rader will run the offense.
Sanders came to ETSU from Florida State, where he spent the last five years as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator.
