Miami WR Sands suspended

MIAMI (AP) -- Miami receiver Ethenic Sands was suspended for an undisclosed violation of team rules and will miss the national championship game Jan. 3 in the Rose Bowl against Nebraska.

Sands won't make the trip, two sources close to the team said Tuesday. The top-ranked Hurricanes (11-0) are to begin practice in California on Wednesday.

The sources said the suspension was unrelated to Sands' arrest Sept. 22 on charges of disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest without violence, both misdemeanors. The junior entered a deferred prosecution program, meaning the charges could eventually be dropped.

Athletic director Paul Dee and coach Larry Coker didn't return phone messages.

With Sands' absence, the Hurricanes will be missing two key offensive players. Starting fullback Najeh Davenport underwent surgery Friday to repair a broken foot. Sands, a backup at flanker to Daryl Jones and Kevin Beard, was an important part of the Hurricanes' potent passing game this season. He made 26 receptions for 385 yards and one touchdown.

Quarterback Ken Dorsey's favorite targets have been Jeremy Shockey (40 catches, 519 yards, seven touchdowns) and Andre Johnson (37 for 682 and 10). The loss of Sands likely means more playing time for Jason Geathers (9 for 112 and one touchdown) against Nebraska (11-1).

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