Ex-NJ Football Star Facing Year-Long Suspension Sues His University

SYRACUSE, NY — A former South Jersey gridiron star has sued his school, hoping to overturn a year-long suspension from the institution and college football at Syracuse University.

Last May, Syracuse suspended LeQuint Allen for the entire 2023 season because of his involvement in a Dec. 11 fight in an apartment on campus. The former Millville High School standout claimed that he reacted in self-defense, according to court documents reviewed by syracuse.com.

A New York Supreme Court judge issued a pause on the suspension, setting a July 19 court date.

Allen was set to begin his sophomore year this fall, poised to take the bulk of the workload for the Orange at running back. He capped his high-school career in 2021, rushing for 1,903 yards and 26 touchdowns on 229 carries en route to becoming the Gatorade New Jersey Football Player of the Year.

The South Jersey standout had a strong freshman season, backing up All-American Sean Tucker. Last year, Allen rushed for 274 yards off 41 carries (6.6 yards per attempt).

Syracuse's punishment also includes suspension from the university for the upcoming fall and spring semesters.

An affidavit states that Allen punched someone in retaliation after he was punched twice in the face — once on the side of the face and once to his nose, causing him to bleed — according to syracuse.com.

Allen appealed the suspension both formally and informally before taking the case to court, syracuse.com reports.