Southeast Missouri State RB DeMichael Jackson dismissed for team violations

Southeast Missouri State running back DeMichael Jackson has been dismissed from the football team, the athletic department announced Wednesday evening.

Jackson's dismissal was due to an undisclosed "violation of departmental policies and procedures," according to a press release.

Jackson, who was a preseason All-Ohio Valley Conference and All-American selection last year, started three games last season as a senior before tearing his right ACL and was set to return to the Redhawks for a fifth year.

"We have high standards for our players and unfortunately there are times they choose not to live up to those standards," Southeast coach Tom Matukewicz said in a press release. "We work with young people and sometimes they will break your heart with the decisions they make. Ultimately, I am responsible for everything that happens with our program and we will work to get better both on and off the field."

Jackson rushed for 1,996 yards and nine touchdowns in 31 games during his first four years at Southeast. He made 17 starts during that span and had 28 catches for 220 yards and two touchdowns.

Jackson led the Redhawks in rushing in 2013 and 2014. He missed four weeks during his junior season with a broken hand and finished the season with 734 yards rushing and five touchdowns en route to second-team All-OVC honors.

"Participating in intercollegiate athletics at Southeast Missouri State University is a privilege," interim Director of Athletics Brady Barke said in the release. "We will continue to hold our student-athletes accountable when their actions fall short of meeting our expectations."

The announcement is the second unfortunate incident in a week for the Southeast football program after wide receiver Tyler McLemore was arrested on March 22 and charged with attempted break-in and marijuana possession.