Jackson suspended for Michigan opener

Marlin Jackson, once a star cornerback, will play safety this season. AP

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) -- Marlin Jackson will start the season on Michigan's sidelines.

Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr said Friday Jackson, the preseason Big Ten defensive player of the year, will not play in the opener on Aug. 30 at home against Central Michigan.

Carr did not say Jackson's suspension would be for more than one game. He is expected to address Jackson's status at his news conference Monday.

Jackson pleaded guilty last week to aggravated assault in a plea agreement with Washtenaw County prosecutors. Aggravated assault is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. Sentencing is set for Sept. 11.

A felonious assault charge, which carried a sentence of up to four years in jail, was dropped as part of the agreement.

Jackson had been accused of hitting fellow student Shanin Farokhrny in the right eye with a bottle during a June 1 house party. Jackson said he punched the man but did not hit him with a bottle.

The Sharon, Pa. native was a standout cornerback during his first two seasons with the Wolverines but has been moved to safety.