Georgia Tech wide receiver Darren Waller suspended for first 2 games of 2014

Dec 30, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver Darren Waller (88) catches a pass and rushes for a touchdown against Mississippi Rebels during the second half at LP Field. Mississippi won 25-17. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

It is never a good thing for a college football team to have to make formal announcements in late February, but that is where Georgia Tech and Paul Johnson were on Friday afternoon.

According to an official release from the school (which can be seen here), wide receiver Darren Waller has suspended for the first two games of the 2014 season as a result of a violation of team rules. Waller is entering his senior season in 2014, and last year, he was the 2nd-leading receiver on the Jackets roster, catching 17 balls for 367 yards and 3 touchdowns over 12 games of action.

The suspension was the first public knowledge of any issue with Waller (meaning that we don’t know much about his transgression), but his absence is a significant one. Waller had more production in the passing game than any returning player (trailing only departing RB Robert Godhigh last season), and while the opponents are Wofford and Tulane (on the road), you never want to see a high-profile member of the team on the sidelines, especially in a non-injury situation.

We will update you on any other information that arises in this case, but if nothing else leaks out, the simplest fallout is the absence of a top returning player.