Wade, Burton suspended for two games
By The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Contact)
Razorbacks linebacker Freddy Burton and wide receiver Marques Wade will be suspended from Arkansas’ first two games after separate drunken-driving arrests in recent weeks.
Freddy Burton
Head Coach Bobby Petrino said the suspensions were meant to reiterate that such behavior would not be tolerated. This is Petrino’s first year as coach of the Razorbacks.
According to Arkansas Sports Information, Burton and Wade will still practice with the team, but will not play in the season opener against Western Illinois or against Louisiana-Monroe.
Both players also will be required to undergo counseling and take part in community service efforts.
Marques Wade
“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.”
Wade faces a drunken-driving charge after authorities an episode Saturday night in which authorities said he nearly hit a police officer with his car.
A Fayetteville police report shows an officer stopped Wade after he sped through a parking lot and nearly slid into another officer. The report alleges Wade had bloodshot eyes and denied drinking, but said he had “smoked some marijuana earlier in the day.”
Police say a breathalyzer test showed Wade had a blood-alcohol level of 0.11. Arkansas’ legal limit is 0.08.
Wade also faces a misdemeanor careless driving charge. He was released from Washington County jail early Sunday morning after posting an $880 bond.
Burton has pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of drunken-driving and careless driving that were filed after a June traffic stop.
Burton on Monday pleaded guilty to driving under the influence in Fayetteville District Court. He is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 8, four days after the Razorbacks hold their first preseason practice.
Police say Burton, 19, of Morrilton was arrested after an officer saw his car cross the center line June 29. Officers say Burton took a breathalyzer test and had a blood-alcohol level of 0.13.
Read tomorrow's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.
Thank you for coming to the Web site of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. We're working to keep you informed with the latest breaking news.
Originally published 11:09 a.m., July 29, 2008
Updated 11:09 a.m., July 29, 2008
Information for this article was contributed by The Associated Press.
