Razorbacks' Marquel Wade barred for hit

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Arkansas freshman Marquel Wade drew a one-game suspension from the Southeastern Conference on Tuesday for a crushing hit on a Vanderbilt punt returner.

Wade was ejected from Saturday's 31-28 victory by Arkansas (No. 7 BCS, No. 8 AP) over the Commodores in Nashville after he leveled Jonathan Krause as he was looking up and before he had the ball.

Krause was on the ground for several minutes but returned to the game and even fielded another punt.

Wade will miss Arkansas' game Saturday against South Carolina (No. 9 BCS, No. 10 AP) at Fayetteville.

Arkansas issued a one-sentence statement from coach Bobby Petrino.

"We have addressed the matter and will comply with the league's decision," said Petrino, who earlier said that he was bothered by the hit as well as the celebration Wade engaged in as Krause lay on the field.

SEC commissioner Mike Slive issued the suspension after finding Wade broke rules by flagrantly interfering with the opportunity to catch a kick and for targeting and leading with the crown of his helmet.

Wade apologized Monday, explaining he thought Krause had the ball.

After he was thrown out of the game, Wade became animated on the sideline and had to be hustled into the locker room by strength and conditioning coach Jason Veltkamp.

Petrino said earlier that he wants to ensure special teams members are looking to make sure a returner has the ball before they make contact.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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