Ole Miss’ Elston Suspended for Texas Game

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WCBI/Ole Miss Athletics/SEC) — Upon review of game tapes of the football game between University of Texas-El Paso and Ole Miss, played in Oxford, Miss. on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012, Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive has announced that Ole Miss freshman defensive back Trae Elston has been suspended for the Sept. 15 Texas at Ole Miss football game.

This action was the result of a flagrant and dangerous act which occurred at the 3:18 mark in the fourth quarter.  The action is in violation of Rule 9-1-4 of the NCAA Football Rule Book, which reads, “No player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, elbow or shoulder,” and Rule 9-1-3 which states, “No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet.”

This action is taken in accordance with Southeastern Conference Constitution, Article 4.4.2 (d) which states that a student-athlete may be suspended if it is determined that the student-athlete has committed a flagrant or unsportsmanlike act.

STATEMENT FROM HEAD COACH HUGH FREEZE:

“We are disappointed to lose Trae for this weekend, but we are moving forward as a team and focused on Texas.”