Cavs QB Lalich to Sit Out vs. U-Conn.
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Thursday, September 11, 2008
Virginia quarterback Peter Lalich will not play in Saturday's game at Connecticut, Coach Al Groh announced in a news release yesterday.
Sophomore Marc Verica will start in Lalich's place.
Lalich was charged last week with violating the terms of his probation stemming from an alcohol-related arrest in July. On Tuesday, Lalich denied a published report that he used marijuana while on probation.
Lalich was charged with the probation violation Sept. 4, but Groh stuck with his quarterback in last Saturday's game against Richmond. Following the game, Groh said he did not hesitate to start the sophomore from West Springfield High.
Yesterday's decision came one day after Groh and Lalich addressed reporters and provided no indication that a change was being considered.
"We stand by Peter and in talking with him have made a decision which is best in the short term for him, the team, and our University," Groh said in a statement released by Virginia's sports information office. "We have a strong set of standards and values on our team that reflect those of the University and we do not compromise those values to win football games."
Groh also said the team is "very positive" about Lalich's performance and development.
"I love my team and my teammates and the way they have let me know that they trust me and have my back," Lalich said in the statement. "Because I care so much about our team, it is best for me to step back temporarily from my starting position so that my teammates can focus 100 percent on getting ready for the game."
Virginia Athletic Director Craig Littlepage said in the statement that he met with Groh and Lalich and supported the decision.
"The focus of our discussions shifted from due process and fairness and moved toward what would be best for Peter and the team, at least until such time that matters were cleared up about his probation status," Littlepage said.
Lalich is due in Charlottesville General District Court on Sept. 26, the day before the Cavaliers' Atlantic Coast Conference opener at Duke. They have a bye week after Saturday's game, meaning it will be the only game Lalich is scheduled to miss before his court date.
