Pack suspends two football players

The University of Nevada has suspended two football players for Thursday's Hawaii Bowl against the SMU Mustangs.

Andre Davis and Duke Williams, a Hug High graduate, have been suspended for violation of team and athletic department policy, and will not play against SMU, according to the Nevada media services department. Davis, a sophomore linebacker, has been kicked off the team.

"I have dismissed Andre Davis from the program immediately and I have suspended Duke Williams for the bowl game," head coach Chris Ault said in a statement from the Nevada media services department. "I want to apologize to the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, the people of Hawaii and our fans for their conduct."

In another statement, athletic director Cary Groth said, "This swift action taken by Coach Ault is indicative of his commitment to doing things the right way. This behavior is not representative of the beliefs and ideals of the Nevada football program, the Wolf Pack athletics department or the University of Nevada."

Davis and Williams are among four Pack players who will miss the Hawaii Bowl. The Wolf Pack will also be without running backs Luke Lippincott (toe injury) and Vai Taua (academically ineligible) for its fifth bowl game in the last five years.

Davis, from Seattle, Wash., played in 11 games this season as a reserve. The 6-foot-1, 230-pounder had six tackles.

Williams, a freshman, played extensively as a backup strong safety behind senior starter Mo Harvey. The 6-1, 185-pound Williams, one of the hardest hitters on the team, had 29 tackles in 11 games this year. Williams is expected to start next year after Harvey's eligibility runs out this season.

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