NC State has dismissed running back Shadrach Thornton from its football program, coach Dave Doeren announced Wednesday, one day after Thornton's arrest for striking a pedestrian while riding a scooter on a sidewalk near campus.
"It's an unfortunate set of circumstances, but we've made the decision to dismiss Shadrach from our program," Doeren said in a release. "We will continue to support him academically and help him earn his degree."
Thornton is on track to graduate this spring.
Last year's leading rusher on the Wolfpack, Thornton had played in just two games this season, tallying 203 yards and three touchdowns after returning from a two-game suspension to start the season because of a department rules violation. A source had told ESPN's Brett McMurphy that Thornton had been suspended for a second failed drug test.
Thornton had been suspended two other times since arriving to NC State: for the 2013 opener after being charged with misdemeanor assault on a woman, and indefinitely in December 2013 after authorities cited Thornton for misdemeanor possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Thornton's attorney, Lee Turner, had said previously that Thornton received counseling through a deferred-prosecution agreement that ultimately led to the dismissal of the misdemeanor assault charge, according to the Associated Press. The AP also reported that Turner said the misdemeanor possession charges were later dismissed, which led to Thornton's reinstatement during last year's fall camp to avoid sitting any games.
Thornton ran for 907 yards and three touchdowns last season during the Wolfpack's 8-5 campaign. He ends his NC State career with 2,572 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns.
Raleigh police spokesman Jim Sughrue told the AP that Thornton allegedly left the scene of Tuesday's accident. In an email, Sughrue said the pedestrian suffered "non-life-threatening" injuries, with an accident report stating the pedestrian suffered a facial injury that required stitches.
Sughrue said Thornton was later located at the parking deck of his nearby apartment and taken into custody without incident. According to court records, he paid a $500 bond and was released.
Turner, Thornton's Raleigh-based attorney, told the AP that Thornton cooperated with police.
"I understand that he was polite, cooperative and gave the officers a full statement about what happened," Turner said. "I understand that after the accident he did have a conversation with the victim before leaving the scene."
According to a magistrate's report, Thornton was charged Tuesday night with a misdemeanor of failing to provide his name, address and other personal information or "reasonable assistance" to the injured pedestrian. A traffic citation states Thornton is also charged with driving on the sidewalk and operating an unregistered vehicle.
NC State (4-0) hosts Louisville (1-3, 0-1 ACC) this Saturday in the Wolfpack's ACC opener.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.