Petrino suspends players for two games

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas head football coach Bobby Petrino announced that linebacker Freddy Burton and wide receiver Marques Wade will each be suspended for the first two games of the 2008 season after both were cited for driving under the influence in recent weeks.

Burton and Wade will practice with the team, but will not play in Arkansas’ season opener against Western Illinois or in its second game against Louisiana-Monroe. The student-athletes will also be required to undergo counseling and take part in community service efforts.

“We have suspended Freddy and Marques for the first two games of the season,” Petrino said. “While the athletic department policy in development for addressing these types of issues calls for a one game suspension, I felt that a two-game suspension was appropriate in both of these cases. I want to continue to send the strong message that this type of behavior won’t be tolerated in this football program.”