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Smith out for all road games
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by Bridget Roby
Thursday, September 6, 2007
As a consequence of his mid-July arrest, UW sophomore running back Lance Smith will be suspended from the five regular season away football games this fall.
Smith's ordeal of penalties began when an argument with his girlfriend allegedly turned violent the weekend of July 14.
Although he was arrested on felony charges of robbery, false imprisonment and battery, Smith has since been charged with only two misdemeanor accounts — battery and disorderly conduct.
Smith was suspended from the football team July 18 but was re-instated Aug. 6.
The Offices of the Dean of Students settled on the decision Wednesday.
"There were three processes in place: the legal system, the athletic department discipline policy, and the dean of students' discipline policy," Dean of Students Lori Berquam told The Badger Herald. "This was actually our outcome of our sanction."
According to Berquam, the UW athletic department has decided not to impose further punishment, and UW athletic communications spokesperson Justin Doherty declined any additional comment.
"They're comfortable with our sanction, so they chose not to pursue it farther," Berquam said.
Smith will continue to compete in home games as well as participate in other team activities and receive traditional student-athlete support services, according to a release from the UW athletic department.
Smith also came to an agreement with UW head football coach Brett Bielema in August and plans to perform community service and receive counseling.
Although she said the situation is unfortunate, Berquam added that the advantage to such a high-profile case is that it serves as a good reminder for students to follow the university’s student policy.
"We want them to be good citizens, and that does mean following the codes," Berquam said.
While Smith's case is closed as far as the university is concerned, consequences from the legal system are yet to be determined.
His final pretrial court date is scheduled for Oct. 23 at 2:15 p.m., and jury selection for his trial will begin Nov. 11. The jury trial will commence Nov. 15.
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