FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas freshman receiver Marquel Wade was suspended one game by the Southeastern Conference on Tuesday for his hit against a punt returner that got him ejected from the Vanderbilt game over the weekend.
Wade will not play in the Razorbacks’ Top 10 match-up against South Carolina on Saturday night.
In suspending Wade, the SEC cited NCAA Football Rule 6-4-1 for a flagrant violation of interfering with an opportunity to catch a kick and NCAA Football Rule 9-1-3 for targeting and initiating contact with an opponent using the crown of his helmet.
Wade was ejected at the 9:32 mark of the third quarter in the Razorbacks’ game at Vanderbilt for a flagrant personal foul after hitting Commodores punt returner Jonathan Krause before he could catch the ball. Wade was animated following the hit and subsequent ejection, drawing widespread criticism.
He apologized for the incident Monday. Razorback Coach Bobby Petrino said the school will comply with the league’s decision.
Wade has served as a utility player for the Razorbacks this season on offense and special teams. He has 472 all-purpose yards this season, including 296 kickoff return yards. He had an 85-yard kickoff return for a touchdown earlier this year against New Mexico.
No. 7 Arkansas hosts No. 9 South Carolina Saturday at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The game will kick-off at 6:15 p.m. and will be televised by ESPN.