On Wednesday afternoon, WR Jeff Thomas was absent from Miami Hurricanes practice. Rumors swirled about his connection to the team at the time.

Minutes ago, the University of Miami announced that Thomas has been dismissed from the program. Here is the statement from Miami Athletics:

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami announced Wednesday that sophomore wide receiver Jeff Thomas is no longer a member of the football program.

“We have high standards for excellence, for conduct and for the commitment to team for all of the young men who wear our uniform, and we will not waver from those standards,” head coach Mark Richt said. “We wish Jeff the very best as he moves forward in his journey.”

Later in the evening, Thomas took to social media to make the following statement: (the photo wasn’t centered on the tweet so I’m transcribing what you can see here)

Regarding the situation with me. I did not get kicked off the team as how bad it sounds. I came to a agreement with my Head Coach on leaving the program to better my future life and family life. I couldn’t thank this program of how much they’ve done for me, and the things I’ve done on the field is my way of respect for the program. Much Love!! #BeatPitt

This sucks, plain and simple. Thomas is one of the most electric playmakers in all of college football, and is now gone from UM. After having lost fellow star WR Ahmmon Richards to career-ending injury, this is yet another blow to Miami’s receiving corps.

Thomas’s dismissal comes just days after a strong 38-14 win at Virginia Tech, in which Thomas had several catches and 2 long punt returns, including 1 for a touchdown.

At every turn, I can’t imaging this season getting any worse.

And, at every turn, this team and program keep proving me wrong.

This. Sucks.

Go Canes