Ole Miss suspends two football players after arrests

JACKSON, Miss. -- Running back Jamal Pittman and linebacker Ken Bournes have been suspended indefinitely from Mississippi's football team following weekend arrests, Rebels coach David Cutcliffe said in a statement released Monday.

"We are gathering information surrounding the events regarding the arrest of Jamal Pittman and Ken Bournes in Memphis, Tenn., over the weekend," Cutcliffe said. "At this time, they are suspended indefinitely from all football related activities. As we gather information and assess the situation, we will then make a further statement."

The statement, which was sent to media outlets and posted on the school's Web site, did not say why the two were arrested.

A Web site for the Shelby County Jail in Memphis listed a Jamal Pittman from Columbia, Miss. being booked early Sunday morning on charges of "reckless endangerment-deadly weapon" and "resisting official detention." He was being held on a $50,000 bond with a court date set for Wednesday at 9 a.m.

Mississippi spokesman Langston Rogers told the Associated Press on Monday night that he had not seen the arrest report and could not confirm if the Pittman listed on the jail's Web site was the same Pittman who played for Ole Miss. The birth date and place of birth listed for Pittman with the jail matched the birth date and place of birth listed on a profile of Pittman on the university's Web site.

A search of the jail's Web site did not reveal an arrest record for Bournes.

Pittman, a sophomore running back, played in five games last season, gaining 214 yards on 42 carries. He ran for a touchdown against Louisiana-Monroe.

Pittman's 2003 season ended on Oct. 11 against Arkansas State when he injured his left knee. He had surgery on Oct. 25 and returned in time to participate in spring drills.

Bournes, a senior, was expected to start at linebacker after a strong performance in spring drills.

Bournes played in all 13 games in 2003 and was credited with 35 tackles, nine for losses, and 3½ sacks. He forced one fumble.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2004, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved