**Scandal Rocks Duke Basketball: Three Star Players Suspended for Marijuana Use and “Gay Act”**
By **Mark Reynolds** | March 28, 2025
Durham, NC – In a shocking turn of events, Duke Associate Head Coach Chris Carrawell announced moments ago that three key players have been suspended indefinitely due to a violation of team policies. The news, which broke during a hastily arranged press conference at Cameron Indoor Stadium, has sent shockwaves through the college basketball world.
According to Coach Carrawell, the players were found in violation of team rules regarding drug use and “conduct detrimental to the program.” While details remain murky, sources inside the program indicate the suspension stemmed from the players’ use of marijuana and what Carrawell described as an “inappropriate act.” This vague terminology left reporters pressing for clarity, leading to an uncomfortable revelation.
When further questioned, Carrawell hesitated before stating, “There were behaviors that do not align with the culture we are building here at Duke. We have high standards, and every player is expected to uphold them.” A journalist from *The Durham Chronicle* asked directly whether the suspensions were related to a consensual relationship between two of the players. Carrawell’s expression hardened.
“I’m not going to get into specifics,” he said. “But there are expectations when you wear a Duke jersey. This is about discipline and accountability, nothing more.”
The fallout was immediate. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from disbelief to outrage, with many questioning whether Duke’s decision was rooted in something deeper than just policy violations. While the marijuana aspect seemed straightforward—a clear NCAA violation—the nature of the “act” mentioned raised concerns about potential discrimination.
Former Duke players, including several NBA stars, weighed in. JJ Redick, now an ESPN analyst, tweeted:
*”Suspending guys for weed is one thing. But let’s be real: the rest of this feels like something out of the 1950s. Do better, Duke.”*
Inside sources report that the three suspended players—whose names have not been officially released—were found in a dormitory room during a routine compliance check. The discovery of marijuana paraphernalia was enough to warrant disciplinary action, but the presence of two players allegedly engaged in an intimate act added another layer of controversy.
This has led to a firestorm of criticism, with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups already demanding transparency. The Human Rights Campaign released a statement calling for an investigation into whether Duke’s decision was motivated by bias rather than actual policy violations.
Meanwhile, Duke’s athletic department remains tight-lipped. Head Coach Jon Scheyer, who was absent from the press conference, is expected to address the situation later this evening.
With March Madness looming, the timing couldn’t be worse for Duke. The Blue Devils were favorites to make a deep tournament run, but losing three key players—especially under these circumstances—could derail their season.
The university now faces a critical test, not just on the court, but in the court of public opinion. Will this scandal expose a deeper issue within the program, or will Duke find a way to move past it?
For now, the basketball world waits.
