Oregon dismisses Cliff Harris from team

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EUGENE, Ore. -- All-American cornerback Cliff Harris has been dismissed from the Oregon Ducks for violating team rules.

Harris was already suspended from the Ducks because of a traffic stop in October and wasn't allowed to participate in team activities. He missed the last five games of the regular season and last weekend's Pac-12 championship game.

Harris' time at Oregon ends

Oregon cornerback Cliff Harris broke the mold in many ways. But he also broke the rules repeatedly, and now his career will have to continue somewhere else, writes Ted Miller. Blog

The Fresno Bee reported Monday that Harris was cited for possession of less than an ounce of marijuana in Fresno, Calif., on Nov. 25. The junior is from the central California city and went to Edison High School.

A spokesman for Oregon would not confirm the nature of the violation that caused Harris' dismissal.

Harris was suspended from the team indefinitely by coach Chip Kelly on Oct. 24 when he was cited for driving on a suspended license, without proper insurance and without a seatbelt.

Harris was also suspended for the season opener to after a he was cited for driving 118 mph on Interstate 5 in June.

After the latest traffic stop, Harris provided proof of insurance on the car he was driving and that charge was dismissed. He pleaded no contest to the driving on a suspended license violation and was entered in a diversion program. He paid a $100 fine for the seatbelt violation.

Harris' family paid the fines related to speeding incident.

Harris finished this season with nine tackles in six games this season for the Ducks. He also had an interception and nine punt returns for 68 yards.

As a sophomore last season, Harris broke up 23 passes and averaged 18.8 yards per punt return. He set an Oregon record with four punt return touchdowns.

During his time with the Ducks, he was known not only for his explosive speed, but also for his colorful quotes. He coined the term "The Natty" when Oregon went to the BCS championship game last season, and once referred to himself as "the cheese on top of the nachos."

Attempts to reach Harris for comment were unsuccessful. He has one year of eligibility left.

Oregon claimed its third straight Pac-12 championship this season and will face Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2.

Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press

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