The last week has been a whirlwind for Jermaine Lawrence, now former Manhattan College student-athlete. It started with finding out he’d be suspended for half the ’15-’16 season, after being told in September when he tested positive for marijuana that he’d only miss the Nov. 9 exhibition game against Adelphi University.

As of yesterday, he withdrew from the college, although he and his family thought the appeal board were unbiased. Jermaine said moving on is in his best interest.

His mom, Marcia Lawrence, said they’re looking at all the options available to them to see where Jermaine can return to the court. Some of those are: a) sit-out a year at another Division I program, b) drop-down a level and play at D II or D III, c) go pro.  She said within the next 72 hours a decision will be made.

As the Lawrences await the appeal result, Jermaine has released a statement to “The Quadrangle”:

“I’ve made a poor choice, but learning from my mistakes are part of me growing up and becoming wiser. I’ve complied with everything asked of me. There isn’t a student-athlete in this country on any campus that deserves what’s been done to me. I worked hard for my opportunities. My family has invested time, money and resources to make sure I can live out my dreams. This is about self-accountability, I can take personal responsibility for my actions.”

A full story is to come as this continues to develop…