Auburn coach Gus Malzahn dismissed his top rusher, Jovon Robinson, from the team on Wednesday, and Robinson took aim at the coaching staff after his departure, saying he was "stereotyped and disrespected."
"Everything about (the) Auburn coaching staff is not what it seems," Robinson wrote in a message to The Alabama Media Group. "Just because I don't walk around with (a) fake smile, they feel like they (can) say or try to force anything.
"I was stereotyped and disrespected. The football players are not happy with this."
Robinson told The Alabama Media Group he believes Malzahn's experience with a former Tigers player who's currently battling for a roster spot in an NFL training camp played a role in his dismissal.
Robinson suggested that if not for ex-Auburn WR D'haquille Williams, who signed with the Rams this offseason as an undrafted free agent, he might still be with the team.
Williams was booted from Auburn in October last season after several disciplinary issues. Robinson believes Malzahn felt he was too lenient with Williams and dismissed Robinson to send a message of zero tolerance.
"People in the camp always compared me to (Williams)," Robinson said. "Why I don't know."
When Malzahn was asked Wednesday if his experience with Williams affected his decision to dismiss Robinson, the coach said "I'll just say this year there's going to be no distractions."
Malzahn said he was dismissing Robinson for a violation of team rules. ESPN reported a source said Robinson was dismissed for missing classes and meetings, and "continued inattention to detail in everything." Robinson told The Alabama Media Group that his dismissal had nothing to do with him "missing class or not paying attention" and he denied being involved in an altercation or failing drug tests.
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