UA pitcher Killian suspended 6 games

Arkansas reliever Trey Killian delivers a pitch Tuesday, March 26, 2013, during the fifth inning of play against Mississippi Valley State at Baum Stadium in Fayetteville.

FAYETTEVILLE - Arkansas sophomore pitcher Trey Killian has been suspended for the first six games of the season because of an NCAA violation involving an “impermissible interaction” that occurred when he was at Mountain Home High School, the university announced Wednesday.

The interaction did not involve the University of Arkansas, and the matter will be fully resolved after the season-opening suspension, said a university source with knowledge of the incident.

Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn said the incident occurred when Killian was a high school sophomore.

“What has gone on there is something that happened three years ago, when he was being, I guess you could call, semi-advised by advisor-agents on what you can and can’t do,” Van Horn said. “That’s come out.It’s something we had to address, and we did and appreciate the NCAA moving on it quickly so now we know he won’t pitch the first two weekends and he’ll be good to go after that.”

Killian, the Gatorade player of the year in Arkansas in 2012, was not made available for post practice interviews Wednesday.

Killian, 6-2, 190 pounds, was 3-3 with a 3.19 earned run average in 16 games last season. The right-hander allowed 21 hits, 12 walks and 13 earned runs while striking out 34 batters in 36 2/3 innings.

Killian is expected to compete for a spot in the Razorbacks’ weekend rotation when he comes off suspension.

Sports, Pages 22 on 02/13/2014