North Carolina State has dismissed running back Shadrach Thornton from the football program.
"It's an unfortunate set of circumstances, but we've made the decision to dismiss Shadrach from our program," said head coach Dave Doeren in a statement. "We will continue to support him academically and help him earn his degree."
Thornton, a senior, was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly hit a pedestrian while riding a scooter on a sidewalk and then left the scene.
The talented but troubled running back had several off-field issues during his time with the Wolfpack. He served a suspension for the first two games of this season for violating team rules. Thornton was also suspended for the 2013 season opener after he was charged with misdemeanor assault of a female. His attorney said the charge was dropped after Thornton entered counseling through a deferred-prosecution agreement, per The Associated Press. He was suspended again in December 2013 after being cited for misdemeanor marijuana possession. The charge was dropped, according to his attorney, and he was reinstated to the team before the 2014 season began.
Thornton led the team in rushing in each of the past three seasons. He had rushed for 203 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries in two games this season.
Prior to the start of this season, NFL Media analyst Chad Reuter wrote that Thornton had an upright running style similar to that of the Green Bay Packers' James Starks and could be drafted as early as the third or fourth round with a strong senior season.
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