Idaho State's Kramer suspended for Griz game

Posted: Oct 23, 2012 3:39 PM by Q2 Sports
Updated: Oct 23, 2012 3:54 PM

POCATELLO - Idaho State football coach Mike Kramer has been suspended for Saturday's game against the Montana Grizzlies, according to ESPN.

The former Montana State head coach was caught on video shoving one of his players to the ground in a recent practice. Senior wide receiver Derek Graves told ESPN that the incident occurred when he preferred to go against a veteran player in one-on-one drills during practice, which caused Kramer to run across the field and shove Graves to the ground with two hands.

Graves says he has suffered from neck spasms and has not been cleared by the ISU medical staff to return to practice or games. He was one of the Bengals leading receivers but has missed three straight games.

"This one-game suspension clearly indicates that Idaho State University has a tolerance for the physical abuse of student athletes," said Graves' attorney Don Jackson. "The outcome of this investigation was a foregone conclusion and strongly indicative of a lack of institutional control. ... A request will be made shortly to the NCAA for a closer look at the administration of this football program and the management of its employees."

In addition to the one-game suspension, Kramer also received a letter of reprimand from Idaho State for violating the university's conduct policy.

Idaho State (1-6) plays at Montana (3-5) Saturday in a 1:30 p.m. kickoff.