Gary Patterson criticizes Les Miles for reinstating Jeremy Hill

Gary Patterson, who helped build Texas Christian into a national college football power, had harsh words for Louisiana State Coach Les Miles after he reinstated top returning running back Jeremy Hill, who pleaded guilty to simple battery after punching a man outside a bar in Baton Rouge.

Patterson levied his critical comments after Miles let the LSU team members vote on whether to reinstate Hill. Of course, the vote went Hill’s way.

Meanwhile, Patterson suspended his top defensive player, end Devonte Fields, for the season-opening game against the Tigers on Aug. 31 at Cowboys Stadium. Fields, who had 10 sacks and 18 tackles for losses as a freshman last fall, was suspended for violating an unspecified team and university policy.

“My whole team would vote Devonte to be back on the team because they all want to win,” Patterson told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “That doesn’t teach life lessons.

“I’m sure if it was some opponent they’d beat by 100 points [the players] wouldn’t have a vote.”

Hill, who was on probation at the time of the fight for having sex with a 14-year-old girl while in high school, rushed for 755 yards and 12 touchdowns in 142 carries as a freshman last season.

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