BOULDER, Colo. -- University of Colorado tailback Eric Bieniemy has been suspended from the Buffaloes' opening game against Tennessee in the Disneyland Pigskin Classic Aug. 26.
Head Coach Bill McCartney said the suspension resulted from an altercation with firemen at the home of Bieniemy's parents in Aurora.
Bieniemy will be arraigned Aug. 20 on misdemeanor charges of harassment, giving false information and interfering with fire personnel.
McCartney said Bieniemy will practice with the team and will be reinstated for the Sept. 6 game against Stanford in Boulder.
'It was not an easy decision,' McCartney said. He said he felt he had to make a decision now, even though the court case has not been settled.
Firemen were called to the home of Bieniemy's parents July 4 because of a small fire. Bieniemy allegedly prevented the firemen from knocking a hole in a garage wall.
Bieniemy said he would accept McCartney's decision. 'I'm just going to go to camp and give it my all,' he said. 'I'm looking forward to the Stanford game. That's my opening day. You've got to live and learn.'
