Ford Says Suspension (Plus) Is Plenty

The Cowboys' series with Tulsa may be coming to an end, as Travis Ford seeks to manage a changing Big 12 schedule.

By John Helsley

jhelsley@opubco.com

We finally got a chance to hit Travis Ford with the question many of you have been asking:

Is a one-game suspension enough for a player — junior forward Marshall Moses — who’s been arrested for possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended license?

In a word, well, actually many words from Ford, yes.

After Tuesday night’s 79-61 win over Coppin State, here’s what I wrote for Wednesday’s paper, plus what didn’t fit, with Ford elaborating on Moses’ situation:

Cowboys coach Travis Ford said he’s heard the complaints that his one-game suspension for forward Marshall Moses isn’t enough.

Heard and noted.

“I hear that people are upset, I’ve only done it one game,” Ford said. “People have no clue everything else we’re doing. I could list it all… he probably wishes he was suspended three games.

“I’m around these young men every single day. I know what Marshall Moses is about. This is the first thing he’s done to get in trouble. People, I guess, need something to talk about. And they can talk. But people have no idea what he’s doing.”

Without getting specific, other than suggesting Moses’ legs were likely weary, Ford said his junior was facing daily punishment. Ford also said he expected Moses to play Saturday when the Cowboys open Big 12 play against Texas Tech.

“If they think I need to suspend him more because he needs to be punished, they don’t have to worry,” Ford said. “They can relax and sleep at night

“I don’t want to keep them up at night, worried that he’s not suspended more. They can relax and sleep at night.”

Ford said he was the one who got the call from Moses at the police station. And he was the one who retrieved him.

Ford also said he put much thought into the suspension.

“I’m the one who went and got him out, sat there with him and tried to mentor this young man,” Ford said. “Marshall’s come a long way. I’ve been around this kid for a long time. Am I disappointed in him? He knows I am. And he feels bad about it. So hopefully, as I told him, you can make a negative into a positive the best way you can.