Auburn linebacker Xavier Atkins has been suspended from the team ahead of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry game against Georgia in Week 7.
Tiger fans worry that this won't be a one-game absence, based on reports this week.
Coach Alex Golesh reiterated on Wednesday that Atkins isn't practicing with the team. Golesh claimed that he'd be addressing the situation again later this week.
Panic immediately set in for some in the fanbase. Others were at peace with the possibility that Atkins wouldn't be back this season.
Is Atkins gone for good, though?
Unfortunately, all there is to do right now is speculate. That's really not worth it when there's a date with the Dawgs in Athens this Saturday, which could change the season if a miracle occurs.
Bryce Deas and De'Marcus Riddick aren't dooming right now as they prepare to deliver in Atkins' absence.
If nothing else, they deserve your hope and optimism.
Alex Golesh keeps things under wraps with his Auburn football program
Remember the Da'Shawn Womack scandal from June? Of course you don't. Golesh keeps his business in-house and doesn't let his players' reputations suffer.
On3's Justin Hokanson has been able to share reporting from his sources on the situation, indicating that Atkins has been late to or has missed practices. Those same sources claimed that defensive players were calling for accountability because Atkins was supposedly getting star treatment.
Atkins has pushed back on that. Former Auburn linebacker Chandler Wooten vouched for his character and didn't agree with the narrative forming on Atkins.
Right now, we have conflicting stories and testimonies. In due time, we'll find out more.
For now, Golesh's program doesn't show and tell. Fans aren't exactly accepting that, given the results on the field.
Auburn is headed for changes if the on-field product doesn't improve
Fans are still showing up to Jordan-Hare Stadium in record numbers. Seemingly, until the end of time, the Tigers brand will be strong.
How strong will that brand be, though, when Auburn is filled with fans wearing paper bags in protest? The program is at "New Orleans Aint's" level of disgust right now among many Tiger fans.
This kind of malaise only ends with heads rolling.
Jobs are going to be lost, and fans won't be sweating it. It's not like the fired administrators and/or coaches aren't leaving with millions in severance. Hard to feel bad for that when many of the fans themselves are losing jobs without life-changing payouts coming their way.
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