Driver suspended for season by Student Affairs
By MIKE CONNOLLY
Associate Sports Editor
Head coach Bob Davie announced Friday that Irish junior tailback Tony Driver is suspended from the football team for the rest of the season by the Office of Student Affairs.
Driver confirmed reports Sunday in an interview with WNDU that his suspension was due to a violation of parietals.
"It came out that I had stolen a purse or something," Driver said. "I didn't want everyone to think that I was that type of person. I violated one of Notre Dame's parietals rules and that resulted in my suspension."
Driver remains on scholarship and still attends the University, Davie told the Associated Press. Driver's suspension is only for the fall and he is expected to rejoin the team for spring practice, Davie said in an AP report.
The suspension was the ruling of the Office of Student Affairs and the football coaching staff, according to Davie.
"It's a Student Affairs decision," Davie said to the AP. "I feel bad for a lot of people, but most of all Tony Driver. It's unfortunate, but that's what it is."
Although he won't be suiting up for the Irish for the rest of the season, Driver told WNDU that he still plans on attending the games — as a student.
"If I can't be on the field, I will be in the stands," he said. "Two degrees with no shirt on and gloves — I am just going to have a good time with the Notre Dame students."
Driver has shared time at tailback with sophomore Tony Fisher and freshman Julius Jones. Against USC and Arizona State he was used primarily in short yardage situations. He gained 187 yards on four carries for the Irish this season. He also scored four touchdowns.
Driver's main contribution this season has been on special teams. The junior is on every team and contributed three tackles in 1999.
All Sports Stories for Tuesday, October 26, 1999
