Wisconsin Bans RB Smith From Road Trips

The University of Wisconsin has suspended sophomore RB Lance Smith for five games.

The suspension is the result of a violation of what the school calls a "non-academic misconduct case". You may remember Smith's alleged fight with his lady friend over the ever-important subject of cab fare.

Oh, did I mention that the suspension is for road games only?

From the UW statement:

Smith was suspended from the team on July 18 for violating the UW Department of Athletics Student Athlete Discipline Policy. He was re-instated on August 6, and in mid-August was given notice that additional disciplinary action was possible under the policy. With the Dean of Students Office having reached a resolution with Smith, no additional game suspensions will be imposed.

Odd. No mention of why it's road games only. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel says a UW spokesperson declined to elaborate on the reasoning.

We can speculate until we're blue in the face, but since there's been no legal action taken, there's no reason to think Smith is somehow barred from any outstate travel. It sounds like some sort of deal involving the university and Smith, and for some reason, no travel was seen as a fitting punishment.

Then again, the Badgers are in Vegas this weekend, so maybe it is a punishment to keep a guy from traveling. Worse, Wisconsin hosts The Citadel next week, and Smith will be eligible to play.

In his absences this year, P.J. Hill will be backed up by true freshmen John Clay and Zach Brown. Brown had four carries for 13 yards in the win over Washington State, while Clay didn't see any action.