Murray State coach put on administrative leave

MURRAY, Ky. -- Murray State put its football coach on paid administrative leave Friday and banned a player from campus after the player and a former player were arrested on drug trafficking charges on campus.

Ron Lane, a junior running back from Bradenton, Fla.; and Terrence Biggers, a former wide receiver from Mayfield, were charged with trafficking in a controlled substance within 1,000 yards of a school and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to court officials in Calloway County.

Each pleaded not guilty during court proceedings Friday. Both are students at Murray State.

Calloway County District Judge Jeanné Carroll set a preliminary hearing in the case for Thursday.

The university banned Lane and Biggers from the campus "given the serious nature of these charges," according to a statement from the school's sports information office.

Murray State athletic director Allen Ward also placed head football coach Joe Pannunzio on paid administrative leave, pending further investigation.

"Charges of this severity and magnitude demand stepped-up review of our football program," Ward said. "A thorough investigation must continue."

Ward also suspended Lane from the Racers' team.

"These are serious charges and the type of behavior described is intolerable," Ward said in a statement.

Ward said he discussed the situation with Pannunzio, who has been the Racers' coach since January 2000 and has a 28-28 record in five seasons.

Lane and Biggers were arrested Thursday by Murray State police in an on-campus housing area, university spokeswoman Sherry McClain said.

Lane rushed for 789 yards and seven touchdowns and caught 17 passes for 127 yards last season. During his career, he has 2,011 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. Biggers caught 16 passes for 175 yards last season as a junior, but quit the squad before spring practice.

Murray State finished 7-4 last season. The Racers wrapped up spring practice on Sunday.