Officials suspended by SEC

The Southeastern Conference has suspended officials from last weekend’s Arkansas-Florida game after the crew was involved in its second controversial call of the year.

Referee Marc Curles’ crew called a personal foul on Arkansas defensive lineman Malcolm Sheppard in the fourth quarter as Florida was rallying for a 23-20 victory. The league said there was no video evidence to support the call.

The same group of officials called the Louisiana State-Georgia game earlier this month, which included a late unsportsmanlike conduct penalty the league said shouldn’t have been called.

The SEC says the crew will be removed from its next scheduled assignment Oct. 31 and will not be assigned to officiate as a crew until Nov. 14.

Saban: no more tape

Alabama Coach Nick Saban says his kickers won’t use tape to spot field goals and extra points.

South Carolina Steve Spurrier pointed out Tuesday that Alabama’s Leigh Tiffin used white tape to spot kicks in last week’s game. Spurrier reported it to the SEC and said Wednesday he was told by the conference that what Tiffin did was against the rules.

Saban says he didn’t know Tiffin was using the tape and says it isn’t worth risking a five-yard penalty. However, he says Crimson Tide coaches have found Tiffin wasn’t alone in spotting the ball.

Bradford delays update

Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Sam Bradford called off a scheduled news conference at which he planned to discuss his future after injuring his right, throwing shoulder.

Sooners Coach Bob Stoops said that Bradford needed time to gather more information before making a decision.

Etc.

Texas Coach Mack Brown says quarterback Colt McCoy has thrown the ball well in practice despite a bruised thumb on his right hand. . . . West Virginia safety Courtney Stuart has been arrested on charges related to a stolen property case in Arizona. Court records show Stuart was arrested Monday in West Virginia and is being held in jail there. . . . Donald Buckram ran for 165 yards and two touchdowns, including the go-ahead score with 29 seconds left, to help Texas El Paso beat visiting Tulsa, 28-24, on Wednesday in a Conference USA game.