Phillips Booted Off No. 2 Nebraska : College football: Heisman contender dismissed from team after arrest for assault.

Nebraska running back Lawrence Phillips, perhaps the leading contender for the Heisman Trophy, was dismissed Sunday from the second-ranked Cornhuskers after his arrest for allegedly striking his ex-girlfriend.

Phillips was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor third-degree assault, Lincoln, Neb., police said. The former Baldwin Park High star turned himself in shortly after 8 p.m., was booked and later released after posting $100 bond.

Police said Phillips allegedly hit the woman, who was not hospitalized or seriously injured, inside and outside her apartment early Sunday.

Phillips, the only returnee among last season’s top 10 Heisman finishers, rushed for 206 yards and scored four touchdowns in Saturday’s 50-10 victory against Michigan State. The junior I-back is sixth on Nebraska’s all-time rushing list and has gained 359 yards and scored seven times this season.

“We will do everything we can to help him get his life back together,” Nebraska Coach Tom Osborne said in a statement, “but he is dismissed from the football team effective immediately.”

So proud was Nebraska of Phillips that the school’s publicity department put his photo on the cover of its annual media and recruiting guide. The cover headline: “Staying Focused.”

Phillips’ arrest and subsequent dismissal add to an already tumultuous Cornhusker season.

Nebraska wingback Riley Washington has been charged with attempted murder in an Aug. 2 shooting at a Lincoln convenience store. Last Sunday, the man allegedly shot by Washington was arrested and charged with trespassing, making terroristic threats, criminal mischief and third-degree assault.

As Washington awaited trial, Osborne allowed him to rejoin the team and participate in practices.

Phillips was also involved in his share of preseason controversy as the NCAA investigated his possible involvement with an agent and his use of a late-model automobile.

Phillips is scheduled to appear Tuesday at an arraignment.