Washington Cornerback Is Suspended

Mel Miller, a starting cornerback for Washington the last two seasons, has been suspended for the team’s first three games.

Miller, a junior from Torrance, was held out of spring drills in April to improve his academic performance.

“This follows the probation that he has been on. This is the next step because he has not been going the right way,” Washington Coach Jim Lambright said.

“It is an opportunity for him to get back in step with the program and the academic expectations we set for our players as well as the guidelines and team rules we expect them to follow.”

Miller will miss the Huskies’ games against Arizona State, Brigham Young and Nebraska.

Miller, who is attending summer school at Washington, did not report with the upperclassmen for preseason camp. He hasn’t practiced with the Huskies since their trip to the Aloha Bowl last year.

Sophomore Toure Butler will replace Miller.

Miller, defensive back Jermaine Smith and linebacker Jeremiah Pharms were arrested by campus police for allegedly assaulting a Washington student on April 30. However, King County prosecutors declined to file charges.

Lambright said the suspension was for academic reasons and “has nothing to do specifically with the altercation on campus.”