Malzahn to decide Marshall's punishment in 'a short period of time'

AUBURN -- A decision is near as to what Nick Marshall's punishment will be for his citation for possession of marijuana earlier this month.

"He'll have to pay for it," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said during an appearance on ESPN's "Numbers Never Lie" on Monday. "I have not decided that for sure right now, but it will be in a short period of time I'll have that figured out."

During last week's SEC Media Days, Malzahn said Marshall will "suffer the consequences" for his July 11 citation during a traffic stop in Georgia, but did not specify what that punishment would be.

As this is believed to be Marshall's first drug-related offense, it would not require the loss of playing time as per the Auburn athletics drug policy.

Should Marshall miss any time in the season opener, Jeremy Johnson would start the biggest game of his college career.

Marshall's prominence will be a "factor" into Malzahn's decision making over what the punishment will be for the Tigers quarterback.

"It's a factor, he's our leader," Malzahn said. "The good thing for us is we have Jeremy Johnson; another outstanding quarterback that I think will play at the next level. … We're in good shape there."

Malzahn was one of seven SEC coaches at ESPN on Monday as part of the annual "Car Wash" of appearances at the network's properties.

He also spoke about Marshall during an interview with Ivan Maisel.

"The biggest issue is he's the leader of our program. He made a bad decision that misrepresented us," Malzahn said. "He'll have a price to pay. … I'm hoping that this experience will make him better in the long run, and he's very remorseful."

Pressed about the team's rules regarding marijuana and alcohol, Malzahn did not elaborate much, only implying that his players are permitted to drink once they are of legal age to do so.

"I always talk to our players about use your influence in a positive way," he said. "There's a training rule as far as representing us in the right way. You got to be responsible. That's what we ask our kids to do."

Malzahn kept Marshall out of SEC Media Days, saying he felt it is an "honor" to represent the institution in that setting.

Marshall was named first team All-SEC and listed on the Maxwell, Davey O'Brien and Walter Camp Award watch lists this preseason. He is widely considered a Heisman Trophy contender after leading the Tigers to a 12-2 record, the SEC championship and the BCS title game.