The Miami Hurricanes are looking to return to as they welcome in new head coach Mark Richt for his first year with the team. They might have to do so without a piece of their depth chart after running back Mark Walton was suspended.
Tim Reynolds, a Miami beat writer for the Associated Press, reported that Walton, a rising sophomore, had been arrested on a DUI charge. It was originally reported that there were other charges pending, but the DUI was the only one confirmed.
Breaking: Miami Police tell AP that Miami running back Mark Walton charged with DUI. Other charges pending.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 23, 2016
Only Walton charge confirmed by police right now is DUI. Source says impersonating police is being investigated, as are other charges.
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) April 23, 2016
Not too long after Walton’s arrest went public, Will Manso of WPLG in Miami reported that Miami athletic director Blake James released a statement, suspending him from the team.
Per Miami AD Blake James… pic.twitter.com/6fZL0cMbyf
— Will Manso (@WillManso) April 23, 2016
During his freshman season with the Hurricanes, Mark Walton had a good showing, rushing for 450 yards and nine touchdowns and catching passes for 297 yards and another touchdown.
There is no indication on how long he will be out, but it is certainly going to hurt the team’s chances of starting out the 2016 season strong. The Hurricanes open the season on September 3 hosting Florida A&M.
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*Featured Photo (above) credit to USA TODAY Sports
