Appalachian State dismisses LB Rizor from team

Boone, NC – Starting linebacker John Rizor has been dismissed from the Appalachian State football team for an undisclosed violation of team rules, the Southern Conference university announced Tuesday.

In addition, quarterback Kalik Barnes will not be permitted to participate in games during the 2012 season, also due to a violation of team rules.

Rizor, a redshirt senior from Fayetteville, N.C., would have been a third-year starter at the bandit position. He had 112 tackles, including 17 for loss and 9.5 sacks, over the last two seasons.

Barnes, a sophomore from Atlanta, will be permitted to practice with the Mountaineers in 2012 and remains on scholarship.

"John and Kalik made decisions that are not consistent with what we expect from members of our program," Appalachian State coach Jerry Moore said. "My hope is that this will serve as a learning experience not only for John and Kalik but for every player in our program."

The Mountaineers finished with an 8-4 record last season. They kick off their 2012 season on Sept. 1 at East Carolina.