RENO - Ezra Butler has shied away from interview requests the past several days, and the reason why was revealed Thursday afternoon.
Butler, an all-WAC selection and the team's top tackler a year ago, was suspended for the Wolf Pack's opener at Nebraska by head coach Chris Ault due to a violation of team policy.
Butler refused to discuss the incident with the media, but released a statement through the school's sports information office.
"I want to apologize to my teammates because I can't be out there with them on September 1," Butler said in the statement. "Everyone makes mistakes , and I want to learn from my mistake. I am focused on earning back the trust of my teammates."
Obviously it's a big blow to the team. Stopping Nebraska was going to be hard enough with Butler. Now with him out of the line-up, it means that some other defenders will have to step up and become playmakers.
"It certainly means a lot (that he won't be out there)," said Ault, who added that Butler won't even make the road trip with the team. "He's a good young man who made a mistake. He knew the policy.
"He knows he's letting his teammates down. He's a good person. You have an obligation to yourself and your teammates."
• Ault announced the team's four captains - two on offense and two on defense - for the 2007 season.
Tight end Adam Bishop and guard Charles Manu were named on the offensive side of the ball, and nose guard Matt Hines and inside linebacker Josh Mauga were chosen on the defensive side of the ball.
All four players were listed as honors candidates by the team. The quartet has started 74 combined games in their Nevada careers.
"I'm excited about the overall quality of leadership that will be provided by these four captains," Ault said. 'They certainly symbolize all that is good about Nevada football."