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The Missouri Tigers will be without arguably their best player on the defensive side of the ball when they take on the Syracuse Orange at home on Saturday. Junior defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson will reportedly be watching the game from the sidelines.
Premium info embargo over: Multiple sources indicate #Mizzou DT Sheldon Richardson suspended, will not play vs #Syracuse
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) November 16, 2012
The Richardson suspension, as most are, will be for violation of team rules. Not a legal issue. Won't say more.
— Gabe DeArmond (@GabeDeArmond) November 16, 2012
This is a huge loss for the Tigers on their defensive front line. Richardson is among the leaders in virtually every defensive category this season. He's tallied 70 tackles to tie for the team lead and 9½ of those have been for a loss. Richardson is also second on the team in sacks with four and has forced three fumbles while recovering two. Richardson has also made contributions on special teams with a blocked kick.
No word yet if Richardson's suspension is just for one game. The Tigers are coming off a wild four-overtime victory over the Tennessee Volunteers in Knoxville. They'll finish the season in College Station against the No. 8 Texas A&M Aggies.