Tide commit Cowan kicked off PBG team

Benched last week for his conduct during Palm Beach Gardens’ crucial district game at Wellington, VanDarius Cowan has been cut from the Gators’ football team. A school official confirmed Cowan’s removal on Monday. The Palm Beach Post first reported the story.

A University of Alabama commit, Cowan, a University of Alabama commit, was pulled in the first quarter from Gardens’ District 9-8A game against the Wolverines after he was flagged for an unsportsmanlike penalty. Palm Beach Gardens coach Rob Freeman was livid at halftime, telling the Sun Sentinel that Cowan wouldn’t play the remainder of the game.

After intermission, as the game was being televised by WTVX, Gardens assistant coaches expressed dismay as CW West Palm cameras spotlighted Cowan from across the field, eating and dancing while the game was being played.

The Gators fell to Wellington 12-10, losing the chance for a district title.

Freeman did not respond to multiple calls for comment.

On Monday, a spokesperson for U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl said Cowan was no longer on the roster for the prestigious national all-star game, scheduled for Jan. 7 in San Antonio. Cowan’s jersey presentation ceremony, slated for today, has been canceled.

A 2016 Sun Sentinel Super 11 selection, Cowan is one of Palm Beach County’s most recruited prospects. The 6-foot-4, 226-pound linebacker is rated the 66th overall prospect in the nation by 247Sports.com. As a junior, Cowan committed to Florida State, but later backed off that pledge.

In April, he committed to the Crimson Tide and has since stuck with that decision. The senior was in Tuscaloosa over the weekend on an official visit.

While Cowan did not respond to a request for comment, he was not silent on social media. Following news of his removal from Gardens’ football team, Cowan tweeted: “If it was Easy Everybody could do .. Little set back for a big come back …. #BigPicture.”

Cowan later tweeted he talked to the Alabama coaching staff and was told his offer still stands “150%.”

“Now just going to finish strong and with my grades and get back lifting weights.”

The 6-foot-4, 226-pound linebacker is rated the 66th overall prospect in the nation by 247Sports.com.

Cowan