June 2, 10:09 p.m. — Syracuse junior wide receiver Mike Williams has been suspended by the university for academic reasons, a Syracuse athletic department official confirmed Monday night. Williams is not currently enrolled at the university.

Sue Edson, assistant athletics director for communications, said Williams was suspended, but could not say when the team learned of Williams’ punishment, or discuss its particulars. The Post-Standard first reported the suspension on its Web site Monday night.

‘We can’t get into any of the details because of the privacy laws,’ Edson said.

Head coach Greg Robinson was unavailable for comment Monday night. There is no indication as to whether Williams will be allowed to return to the team.

Williams, from Riverside Institute of Technology in Buffalo, shined during a dismal 2-10 season in 2007. He caught 10 touchdowns, and his 60 receptions tied an Orange single-season record. He led the team in receiving yardage in both 2006 (461) and 2007 (837). He was the first freshman to lead the team in receiving since 1983.

He has a nine-game touchdown scoring streak heading into the 2008 season, the longest currently among Football Bowl Division teams.

Williams was a bright spot in the Spring Game on April 19, snagging a 50-yard scoring strike from backup quarterback Cameron Dantley.

He majored in communications and rhetorical studies, according to the Syracuse athletic department Web site.

ramccull@syr.edu

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Published on June 22, 2008 at 12:00 pm