Ferris State HC Tony Annese Suspended Over Smoking

After winning a national championship the previous year, players lit cigars in the locker room, and as a result, the coach of the defending champion Ferris State, Tony Annese will not be present for the team’s Division II football playoff game on Saturday.

Ferris State HC Tony Annese Suspended Over Smoking

Coach Tony Annese told WOOD-TV, “I just got to suck it up and be a big boy because self-pity’s the greatest form of self-destruction.”

The Bulldogs will play in-state opponent Grand Valley State after travelling 60 miles via Michigan.

The NCAA revealed Annese’s one-game postseason penalty before this year, so it isn’t completely shocking.

“Technically speaking, I can be at the game. Just got to buy my own ticket. So I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” he said.

According to WoodTV.com, Annese’s squad will open the playoffs against Grand Valley State University, but he has been suspended by the NCAA because his teammates smoked cigars following their victory last season.

“When I stopped feeling sorry for myself and start to put it into perspective, I know my team will be fighting for me on the sidelines,” Annese explained to WoodTV.

He said he doesn’t “know if that’s a good idea” but he can go to the game but needs to purchase his own ticket.

Ferris State was also had to pay $15,383 in cleaning and repair costs in addition to a $2,500 fine. The 2022 championship game was held at the McKinney, Texas, school district, which has a strong anti-tobacco policy.

The Bulldogs won their second straight Division II title, defeating Colorado Mines 41–14.

This week, Annese can get his squad ready, but he can’t talk to the players while they’re playing.

 

 

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