Wisconsin RB Smith suspended indefinitely

[bigboydan]

MADISON, Wisconsin (Ticker) -- Wisconsin sophomore running back Lance Smith has been suspended indefinitely for violating the athletic department disciplinary policy, the school announced Wednesday.

The 19-year-old Smith will not be allowed to participate in games or practices until the school makes a final decision regarding his case.

The school did not disclose further details on the suspension, citing privacy laws. However, the Wisconsin State Journal reported on its web site that Smith was arrested Saturday after a dispute with his girlfriend.

According to the newspaper, Smith has been tentatively charged with robbery, false imprisonment and battery.

The 203-pound Smith served primarily as a backup to fellow sophomore P.J. Hill last season, rushing for 345 yards and five touchdowns on 95 carries.

Hill emerged as one of the nation's top running backs last season, collecting 1,569 yards and 15 TDs en route to being named Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Year.

[bigboydan]

Anyone from the Wisky area have an update on Smith's reinstatement?

[BuddyBear]

Nothing....UW players have a bad history of domestic abuse and sexual assualt against their g/fs. Alvarez ran a loose shit and it doesn't appear that Bielema is any differnce. As long as P.J. Hill is playing the running game should be in good shape.

[rjt721]

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin running back Lance Smith, who was charged with battery and disorderly conduct last month, was reinstated to the team Monday just before the first practice of the season.

The sophomore was suspended after being arrested by Madison police after an alleged dispute with his girlfriend on July 14. Wisconsin athletic director Barry Alvarez lifted the ban an hour before practice.

Smith has pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor charges that he pushed down his girlfriend during an argument over a cab fare, refused to let her leave his apartment and took her money and shoes.

If convicted, Smith faces up to nine months in prison and a $10,000 fine on the battery charge and up to 90 days in prison and a $1,000 fine on the disorderly conduct charge.

Smith released a statement through the university apologizing for his actions.

"I first want to apologize to my girlfriend, my coaches, my teammates, our fans and the university community," Smith said. "My actions did not measure up to the standards we have here at Wisconsin."

Smith said he would receive counseling and perform community service work at the direction of coach Bret Bielema. He pledged "to conduct myself in a manner that I can be proud of."

Smith, 19, was the team's second-leading rusher with 345 yards and five touchdowns last season on 95 carries.

[bigboydan]

Thanks for the prompt replies on this situation guys. Tis appreciated

[bigboydan]

Heres the latest news on Smith. Looks like they won't let him play.

Wisconsin RB Smith won't play away games this season

Updated: September 5, 2007, 10:43 PM ET


MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin running back Lance Smith, who is facing battery charges, will not be allowed to play in away games this season.

Smith will miss Saturday's game at UNLV and games at Illinois, Penn State, Ohio State and Minnesota.

Smith was suspended from the team in July after he was arrested, but athletics director Barry Alvarez reinstated him in early August just before the Badgers' first practice of the season.

The team announced Wednesday that Alvarez and dean of students Lori Berquam had decided Smith would not play in away games.

Smith is charged with pushing down his girlfriend during a dispute over a cab fare, refusing to let her leave his apartment and taking her money and shoes.

He has apologized to the woman but pleaded not guilty to charges of battery and disorderly conduct.

[pags11]

I imagine they've got some descent back-ups, but this is still an injury worth noting...especially as the season goes on and Hill starts to take a pounding...