Football: Freshman safety suspended for game after being arrested for MIP

By: Juan López

Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 5:12 PM

Nevada safety Duke Williams

Duke Williams, a freshman safety on the Nevada football team, was arrested this weekend for minor in possession of alcohol, according to the Washoe County Sheriff Detention Facility police report.

The 19-year-old Williams, who graduated from Hug High School last summer, was arrested along with his cousin Courtney Gardner, who also played football at Hug. He was the fourth-highest tackler among the defensive backs with 25 and has played in all 10 games this season.

Wolf Pack football head coach Chris Ault said Williams would be suspended for the team’s game on Saturday at New Mexico State. He said there was a procedure that is followed in circumstances like these.

“Usually, we take part of their scholarship away,” Ault said at Tuesday’s practice. “But his financial circumstances won’t allow that so he will be suspended for this game this week.”

Ault said he would rather take a portion of the player’s scholarship in a situation like this.

“The bottom line is, suspension for a game is one thing, but I’d rather deduct from their scholarship as we’ve done in the past,” he said. “It’s been a good policy. I think it sends a better message. But his financial circumstances just won’t allow it at this time so he’ll be suspended for this game.”

Juan López can be reached at jlopez@nevadasagebrush.com.