Football: Running back Jalen Starks of Crespi is dismissed from team

Crespi Coach Troy Thomas said Thursday he has dismissed standout running back Jalen Starks from the team.

“He did not meet the expectations of the program,” Thomas said of Starks, a senior who hasn’t played in recent weeks because of a shoulder injury. He has committed to UCLA.

“I believe Jalen has come a long way, and it’s a shame he couldn’t finish this,” Thomas said. “My hope is it will be a great lesson for him so he doesn’t make the same mistakes in the future.”

Crespi is 1-6 this season in Thomas’ third season since he returned to his alma mater from Servite.

“There’s a process you have to go through to get a championship level program, and we’re in the middle of it,” Thomas said. “Our program is in transition in how we work and build a culture of great effort and attitude.”

Reached Thursday night, Starks’ mother, Brandy Nunoo, criticized Thomas for his “lack of communication.” She said he has yet to discuss with her any concerns about her son.

“Thomas constantly picks at my son and others’ self-esteem and doesn’t want to to deal with parents,” she said. “He never tried to work with Jalen.”

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