Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Iowa Football News: Draft Scout Player News

12/03/20 - WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Sr/2021, Iowa

Ihmir Smith-Marsette wondered if he'd ever play football for Iowa again in the hours after his Nov. 1 arrest for driving while intoxicated. One month later, Smith-Marsette spoke to reporters for the first time about the incident, relieved that he has been embraced by his teammates and coaches and adamant that he will not repeat the mistake he made. "I was thinking, 'My football career is probably done,'" the senior wide receiver said of his initial reaction to his arrest. Smith-Marsette spoke to coach Kirk Ferentz, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz and wide receivers coach Kelton Copeland. He said they each reassured him that they weren't giving up on him, as long as he showed that he had learned from his actions. Kirk Ferentz told Smith-Marsette he would be suspended for the next game, vs. Michigan State, but could reclaim his spot as a starting wide receiver and kickoff returner after that.

Smith-Marsette was pulled over for driving 74 mph in a 30 mph zone at 1:30 a.m. Nov. 1, hours after Iowa fell to 0-2 on the season with a 21-20 home loss to Northwestern. His blood-alcohol level was 0.13%. He was charged with OWI, a serious misdemeanor, and speeding. Smith-Marsette has hired attorney Matthew Petrzelka of Cedar Rapids to represent him, and his next court appearance has not yet been scheduled. "After that happened, I just felt down. I felt like I let the whole team down, the coaching staff," Smith-Marsette said. Instead, his coaches told him: "They still support me no matter what. We've just got to put this behind us. Mistakes happen. And as long as it's a mistake and not something that you do again - which I won't be doing again, trust me - as long as it's a mistake and you own up to it, it will fly by." - Iowa City Press-Citizen

Sr/2021