Ferris State head coach Tony Anesse has been suspended for Ferris State’s next playoff game, the NCAA announced on Thursday.
The reasoning, however, is not due to recruiting violations or any off-the-field conduct but instead for how some of his team celebrated their second-straight Division II FBS championship game this past season defeating Colorado Mines 41-14.
The suspension comes after two unnamed Ferris State players lit and smoked cigars inside their locker room following their championship win. This issue arises, however, from the fact that it occurred on the McKinney Independent School District grounds in McKinney, Texas.
As most school districts do, McKinney Independent School District has a strict no-tobacco policy on school district property. According to FootballScoop.com, Ferris State did the same following their championship in 2021 and was served a fine for the behavior – notably that instance also did occur at McKinney Independent School District.
On top of the suspension that Anesse will serve the next time Ferris State makes the postseason, the university and program will also have to pay $15,383 in restitution to McKinney Independent School District for cleaning and repair expenses, pay a fine worth $2,500, and also suffer public reprimand.
Annese has been with the Ferris State program since 2011 building the football program located in Grand Rapids, Michigan into one of the best at the Division II level. On top of their two national championships, they also were the Division II runner-up in 2018, losing narrowly to Valdosta State 49-47.