UCLA Suspends Leading Rusher

Jermaine Lewis, UCLA’s leading rusher and one of the nation’s top scorers, was suspended from the team by Coach Bob Toledo on Tuesday.

The university said the suspension resulted from Lewis violating team rules by being involved in an unspecified altercation last Saturday night.

Earlier that day, Lewis gained 94 yards on 15 carries and scored two touchdowns to help the third-ranked Bruins beat Washington State 49-17 in their Pac-10 opener.

Lewis, a sophomore, will definitely miss UCLA’s game at No. 10 Arizona on Saturday night. His future status with the team will be determined after school officials further review the incident.

The 5-foot-7, 180-pounder has gained 270 yards on 53 carries -- nearly half of the Bruins’ rushing yardage in their three games this season. He has scored a team-leading eight touchdowns.