Auburn suspends two players three games

AUBURN, Ala., Aug. 3 (UPI) -- Auburn linebackers Kevin Sears and Tray Blackmon will miss the season's first three games for violating team policies.

Sources told ESPN that the players were involved in criminally related incidents during the past year.

Blackmon, a highly regarded red-shirt freshman, was arrested May 13 in his hometown of LaGrange, Ga., on charges of underage possession of alcohol and being a pedestrian under the influence of alcohol.

Sears, a senior from Russellville, Ala., was found guilty in early July on charges of driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and public intoxication last November.

In a release Wednesday, Coach Tommy Tuberville said Sears and Blackmon, who were expected to battle for starting spots on the Auburn defense, will be allowed to practice with the team.

They will miss games against Washington State on Sept. 2, Mississippi State on Sept. 9 and Louisiana State on Sept. 16.