ASU Football: After suspension, Crosswell leaves program

Days after being suspended indefinitely for team conduct reasons, Arizona State football junior safety Aashari Crosswell is leaving the program, he announced Thursday on social media.

Crosswell announced his decision on Instagram and said he was declaring for the 2021 NFL Draft.

“I would like to say I appreciate all my supporters, coaches, and my brothers,” Crosswell said in a caption to a video. “I’m a Sun Devil 4L. Arizona State will always be special to me. This what y’all been waiting for righ? Bet it’s on. I am ready to enter the 2021 NFL Draft….. God is good God is great I’m beyond thankful for another day”

Crosswell had seen his role decrease when the season opened against USC on Nov. 7, as the junior safety recorded zero statistics on limited snaps in Week 1.

As a freshman in 2018, Crosswell finished third in the Pac-12 with four interceptions while recording 43 tackles.

Last season, Crosswell had 50 tackles, three forced fumbles and two interceptions in a starting role.

Co-defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce said Wednesday that Crosswell and senior cornerback Jack Jones’ absences in Saturday’s game against UCLA would open up opportunities for other players.

“There’s going to be a lot of young guys playing the next couple weekends,” he said. “We’re going throw those guys in the mix and give them some playing time.”

Jones and Crosswell’s suspensions were handed down at the same time and were both for “team conduct reasons,” according to The Athletic.