Harris Suspended

The Oregon Ducks announced today that star cornerback Cliff Harris has been suspended because of a traffic violation and driving without a license. Head Coach Chip Kelly announced through a media release that Harris will miss at a minimum the opening game against LSU.

Harris was cited last weekend for driving in excess of 100 mph on I-5 just south of Albany, and was also cited for operating the vehicle with a suspended driver's license.

According to the media release, Harris' status following the opening game on Sept. 3rd is dependent "on his adhering to standards set forth by the University's football program."

Kelly also indicated that the decision is based on the information currently available surrounding more than just a single event and not based on any legal rulings or NCAA violation yet to be determined.

“Cliff’s future clearly is in Cliff’s hands,” Kelly said. “Earning an opportunity to represent the University of Oregon and this football program certainly rests far beyond a player’s ability on the field of play. Our behavior out of the spotlight often is more important and will be held to a higher standard. Until Cliff is able to conform to the same standards all of us must comply with, his status will remain unchanged.”

Harris led the nation last season with 23 passes broken up and was second in the country in punt returns with an 18.8-yard average, in addition to pacing the Pac-10 Conference with six interceptions.